Modern Mining September 2017

MINING News

Montepuez enjoys a record month of production

buyers from around the world,” he said. He noted that the ramp-up of the pro- cessing plant had been highly successful, as shown by the record production recorded in August. “We had some initial challenges with the commissioning and ramp-up; however, after resolving these teething problems we have made outstanding progress and can now demonstrate the impressive production capacity of Montepuez.” The Montepuez project consists of four licences covering 19 300 hectares directly adjacent to the world’s largest ruby deposit discovered by Gemfields in 2012. Since supply of rubies from sources outside Mozambique has become frac- tured and unreliable, Mustang believes it stands to capitalise on the current demand around the world for ethically produced rubies by becoming a reli- able, consistent supplier of high-quality rubies. 

Mustang Resources, listed on the ASX and focused on developing its Montepuez ruby project in northern Mozambique, says that preparations for the maiden auction of its rubies are firmly on track, with its inventory rising to 176 522 carats. The latest increase follows a record month of production in August, dur- ing which the plant at the Montepuez project delivered 15 613 carats from the 34 561 tonnes processed. The successful ramp-up of the processing plant means Mustang is com- fortably within reach of its 200 000-carat target for its inaugural rough ruby ten- der, which is scheduled for late October 2017 in Port Louis, Mauritius. Mu s t a ng Ma n ag i ng D i r e c t o r Christiaan Jordaan said the company had also received strong inquiries and support from the industry in respect of the tender.“We have been overwhelmed by the interest shown by leading ruby

The plant at Montepuez delivered 15 613 carats from the 34 561 tonnes processed in August (photo: Mustang).

September 2017  MODERN MINING  13