13 / 84
January 2016
MODERN MINING
11
MINING News
AIM-listed Weatherly International has pro-
duced an updated JORC (2012) reserve and
resource update for its Tschudi copper mine
in northern Namibia. The company has also
provided updated mining and processing
schedule options for a potential low-cost
expansion of Tschudi to produce 20 000
tonnes of copper cathode per annum.
According to the update, Tschudi has ore
reserves of 24,4Mt at 0,85%copper for 214 000
tonnes of contained copper metal after mining
depletion of 8 000 tonnes. This is an increase
over the previous reserve estimate of 215 650
tonnes contained copper before mining
commenced. Weatherly says the increase in
contained copper despite lower copper prices
being used for the reserve update exercise
indicates the robustness of the reserve to the
significant decrease in copper price.
Regarding the mining operation, pit opti-
misation work has decreased the strip ratio
by 10 % from 7,5:1 (waste to ore) to 6,5:1.
Weatherly has also issued updated C1 cash
costs. The LOM C1 costs are expected to be
reduced by 9 % to US$3 865 per tonne of cop-
per cathode while current FY2016 C1 cash
costs are projected to be in the range from
US$4 250 to US$4 350 per tonne.
Elaborating on the potential expansion
of Tschudi, Weatherly says it has identified
an opportunity to increase processing
capacity from 17 000 to 20 000 tonnes
per annum of copper cathode.
Expenditure of approximately US$1,2
million would be required for such an
expansion of the processing facilities. This
would be required for increased solution
pumping capacity, replacement alter-
native-technology mixers in the solvent
extraction plant, and various components
of the site electrical systems.
Life of mine scheduling work for such
Mining contractor
wins major award
MCC, the contract mining and plant rental
division of Eqstra, has been awarded a sig-
nificant new contract with Sedibelo Platinum
Mines. The five-year contract commences in
April 2016 with a value of R4 billion. The proj-
ect will utilise an initial R150 million worth of
standing equipment.
“This is a significant win for us given the
current environment facing the commodity
sector and the pressure this has placed on
mining firms,” comments Justin Colling, Chief
Executive Officer of MCC.“I believe our unique
approach to shaping our contracts to our cli-
ents’ needs and partnering with them during
these demanding times allows us to deliver
the best possible results.”
The contract increases MCC’s order book
to approximately R15 billion. This also reduces
the division’s excess assets to less than 10 % of
its total asset base.
Weatherly contemplates expanding Tschudi project
a scenario indicates reduced unit costs
over the life of mine due primarily to
certain costs remaining fixed despite the
output volume increase.
Life of mine operating cost savings
obtained from operating at 20 kt/a
instead of 17 kt/a are currently esti-
mated at approximately US$10,6 million.
Weatherly will now undertake further
detailed work to support any potential
investment decision, as well as evalua-
tion of funding options.