Mining

Deployment of the Concorde Cell Plant Unit is safe and rapid, resulting in faster return on investment. (Image source: Metso)

Metso, a provider of end-to-end solutions for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries, has unveiled the modular Concorde Cell Plant Units to expand its flotation portfolio

The company outlined how the new solution consists of prefabricated and pre-installed containerised units to streamline the setup process and minimise installation work on-site.

“Concorde Cell Plant Units feature a complete sampling and automation portfolio, along with a modular basic design that conveniently accommodates add-ins,” remarked Tatu Miettinen, product manager, flotation and thickening at Metso. “This flexibility allows for tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of our end customers and EPCMs alike.”

The new solution builds on the Concorde Cell flotation technology for efficient fine and ultra-fine particle recovery for complex ore bodies that was launched in 2021. According to Metso, this technology subsequently set a benchmark in high-intensity pneumatic flotation, reducing plant operating costs and contributing to operational sustainability through minimised energy and water consumption per ton of metal produced.

The newly-introduced Concorde Cell Plant Units reportedly offers a comprehensive solution encompassing test work and the complete plant unit as well as maintenance and service. The compact unit design integrates pre-designed components, such as connecting launders, pipes, and pump sumps, to ensure a seamless operation and enables reduced footprint and lower plant height, which facilitates easier integration into existing facilities. With this new approach, a shorter order-to-operation timeline can be achieved, allowing for more workshop hours and less site work and ultimately leading to a quicker return on investment.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of a major contract award for Metso on the continent. Click here to learn what solutions and services Metso will provide for Barrick in Zambia.

The vessel has successfully reached Namibian waters and is set to commence operations in Hottentots Bay. (Image source: Kenzoll Capital)

Acquired by private equity firm Kezoll Capital in partnership with LK Mining, the Adamastor offshore diamond mining vessel has arrived at Lüderitz harbour and is set to commence operations in Hottentots Bay

The vessel is outfitted with state-of-the-art marine mining technology and is capable of extracting diamonds up to depths of 32 metres. Advanced systems include hydraulic extraction, onboard diamond processing and a dynamic positioning system mean that the vessel will surely become an important asset for Kenzoll Capital and its local partners in Namibia’s offshore mining sector.

“This is a landmark moment for Kenzoll Capital and our partners at LK Mining,” said Lazarus Jacobs, representative of LK Mining. “The arrival of the Adamastor represents more than just an operational achievement – it’s a testament to our dedication to Namibia’s mining industry and the economic and social development of the Lüderitz region.”

A ripe diamond market

The acquisition and deployment of the Adamastor vessel in is aimed at taking advantage of the Namibian coast being recognised as one of the richest deposits of premium-quality gem diamonds globally. This reputation, and the country’s stable political environment, has made it a favourable location for further investment, despite the instability in the international diamond sector. Initial assessments of Hottentots Bay indicate promising diamond recovery rates, with yields expected to average between 0.2 and 0.4 carats per cubic meter.

The Kabanga Nickel Project is believed to be one of the world’s largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulfide deposits. (Image source: Lifezone Metals)

Anna Rabin, founder and managing director of Above Ground Advisory, discusses Tanzania’s resurgent mining sector, one buoyed by diverse mineral resources and refocused administrative support

Founded in 2021, Above Ground Advisory offers strategic consultative support for the extractive sector with a focus in Tanzania. Boasting a team of experts with a depth of understanding across the political, regulatory, technical and commercial dimensions of the industry, it assists companies to enter the market, helps them understand it, and ensures they operate in a compliant manner.

“The company is growing in lockstep with the growth of the sector in Tanzania,” explained Rabin. “We are focused on the country and have not really needed to diversify to neighbouring geographies because the Tanzanian mining sector has been on such a promising path.” While such a statement would have raised eyebrows in the previous decade, it is a testament to the changing narrative the current administration has fostered in the country. “In 2017, the mining legislation was all but fundamentally overhauled by the former President in a way that had very limited stakeholder engagement. What we saw was the large-scale mining operations continue to operate, but early-stage investors pull out. In the middle, there was a group of those who had already transitioned from a prospecting licence to a mining licence who had invested too much money to leave, but got stuck as the regulatory regime and political climate was not viewed by investors as being stable enough. This has resulted in a backlog of projects.

“The current administration and President has been having far more constructive conversations in this field, particularly around debt financing,” Rabin continued. “Many of the companies which were pursuing the projects in limbo were listed as juniors so couldn’t self- fund, so they needed external financing, largely debt. The conversations are now happening and are more productive. Now, the financial institutions are looking more favourably on Tanzania.

“There is perhaps still a gap between the level of detail in the Mining Act and its accompanying regulation and this is slowing down some negotiations. But, generally, it is more positive and we are witnessing a real appetite for people to invest in Tanzania.”

Digging into some of this detail, Rabin referenced the 2023 Mining Corporate Social Responsibility Regulations which aimed to provide clarity and detail to the CSR plans referenced in the Mining Act. This stipulated, as an example, that the allocation for CSR projects will be 40% assigned for projects in the local village of the host community and 60% for projects in the district, town and municipal councils of the host community.

“Such advancements are more specific about where the needs should be met whereas, previously, this level of detail was not there. It also encourages a more consultative approach with the local community to ensure the CSR contributions are valuable. Finally, the regulations add a requirement to have an approved CSR plan as well as quarterly and annual self-assessment reporting to ensure companies stick to their commitments. All this adds a lot more rigour from a compliance perspective to ensure contributions match with the needs of the host community and provides greater clarity for mineral rights holders.”

Discover the full interview in African Review November available here.

With the funding secured construction of the Koné project will be getting underway. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Montage Gold has entered into a final documentation with Wheaton Previous Metals International Ltd. And Zijn Mining Group Co Ltd. in order to unlock financing for the Koné gold project in Côte d’Ivoire

“Today’s announced US$825mn funding package for the construction of our flagship Koné project in Côte d’Ivoire provides significant funding headroom, ahead of launching our construction, as it increases our liquidity sources to approximately US$970mn," Martino De Ciccio, CEO of Montage. "Moreover, it is the culmination of an exhaustive financing process which generated strong interest given the high-quality nature of our project coupled with management’s proven construction track record.

“With the financing milestone now achieved, we look forward to soon launching the construction of our Koné project, which is set to become West-Africa’s next sizable, long-life, low production-cost gold mine, and poised to unlock value for all stakeholders.”

Randy Smallwood, president and CEO of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., added, “With essential permits in place coupled with its impressive scale, we believe the Koné Project stands out as one of the premier gold assets in Africa and we are very pleased to partner with Montage to deliver a full financing package for its development. Supported by strong shareholder backing from the Lundin Group and Zijin Mining, the Koné Project is expected to significantly boost Wheaton’s near-term annual gold production and further strengthen our peer-leading growth trajectory.

"We look forward to collaborating with Montage’s outstanding team, whose extensive experience in West Africa had driven remarkable progress in de-risking the project and advancing it towards construction.”

The new announcement is the next step in the mine’s rapid progress towards construction. In July, the Council of Ministers of Côte d’Ivoire awarded the mining permit for the project to Montage. Click here to learn more.