Modern Mining September 2018

MINING News

MOD Resources decides on 3 Mt/a capacity for T3 process plant

ASX-listed MOD Resources reports that following the major increase in the resource at its T3 copper/silver project in Botswana announced 2 July 2018, a review of the planned throughput for the T3 process plant has been undertaken. The Feasibility Study is now based on an increase in the process plant throughput to 3 Mt/a, with allowance for staged future expansion. Throughput selection was based on criteria that included the tonnes of indi- cated category resource, target mine life of at least 10 years and the optimal operational and financial outcome for MOD. The company has also announced key appointments to assist with the development and funding of the initial open-pit develop- ment of the T3 project, including Sedgman, a member of CIMIC Group, for process and infrastructure engineering, and Azure Capital and Terrafranca Advisory Limited as joint debt advisers. According to MOD’s MD, Julian Hanna, the company has expe- rienced a great deal of interest already in the T3 project, following MOD’s debut presentation at the recent Diggers and Dealers Conference. “We are really pleased to report this increase in the proposed plant capacity following the recent resource upgrade,” he says.“The T3 Pit Feasibility Study remains on schedule for com- pletion by the end of March 2019 and all key technical consultants are now engaged. “The T3 project is located at one of many ‘domes’ identified within the 700 km 2 T3 Dome Complex that could, if mineable resources are discovered, utilise the proposed T3 process plant.” He added that MOD was continuing to fast-track exploration drill- ing at the nearby A4 Dome. Sedgman will also compile the final Feasibility Study docu- ment incorporating inputs from the various consultants who are contributing to the study. “The appointment of Sedgman is a great addition to an excel- lent team of Feasibility Study consultants,” commented Technical Director Steve McGhee. “Their highly relevant EPC experience at the Boseto copper project in Botswana provides a high degree of confidence around in-country costs and implementation that will be important aspects of the study. We look forward to working closely with Sedgman, the debt advisers and the rest of the team to deliver a high quality Feasibility Study and progress the financ- ing of the T3 Pit project.” 

Installing roof bolts inside the mine (photo: Alphamin). grade of contained tin of any tin mine in the world and the sec- ond largest resource size (although drilling stopped before the full resource size was determined). Over 1 million man-hours have now been worked on the proj- ect by over 600 employees with no lost time injuries reported. According to Alphamin, mine construction is progressing ahead of schedule with the underground mining contractor, Reliant SARL, having completed 1 709 development metres out of a total of 2 700 as at 26 August. Construction of the process plant by EPCM contractor DRA is ahead of schedule with 256 tons of steel erected and the majority of the kit required now on site. Construction of the company’s 36 km access road to site and airstrip is now complete with project deliveries getting through to site without difficulty. The 1 200 m long airstrip is located approxi- mately 11 km from themine and is due to go into use in the current quarter (Q3), following completion of the licensing process. Over 70 % of project loads have been delivered to the mine site and procurement is 90 % complete. Social development investments targeting over 1 500 house- holds for livelihoods and community infrastructure projects continue. Site security and community relations have been strengthened further by the peaceful and voluntary migration of the remaining 500 artisanal miners from Alphamin’s concession in late 2017 and early 2018. The recent Ebola outbreak in North Kivu Province is being monitored closely and strict protocols have been put in place to reduce the risk of transmission at Bisie. Alphamin points out that the outbreak is located some 1 200 km from Bisie by road and that, to date, there has been no impact on the company’s operations. 

Proposed site layout and infrastructure for the T3 Pit project.

September 2018  MODERN MINING  5