The project involves the construction of a new anthracite processing plant at what will be the Somkhele anthracite-mine.
Initially the mine will be a single shift 40 000t/m operation, however, if this is successful, this may well be doubled.
The intention is to install a heavy-media washing plant, which will involve cyclone washing, drum washing and spirals.
In addition, access roads, plant platform dams for fresh water, and dams for recycling and evaporation will be built.
Based on the opencast criteria, Somkhele has a current life-of-mine of 17 years.
R114-million.
The project is expected to be completed by October 2006 and it is planned that commissioning will be complete in 2007.
Mining will start three months prior to plant commissioning to build a stockpile for processing.
Stemele Bosch Africa will manage the civil engineering design and contracting.
The plant will be project-managed by Senet.
Dave Peatfield is the consultant for the design and operation of the process plant.
Leomat Construction has the contract for the earthworks construction.
Petmin.
A recently-completed drilling programme has yielded expected additional proven reserves in Area 1 of 9,30-million tons which, together with those previously reported for Area 2 of 2,35-million tons, give a total of 11,65-million tons, sufficient for more than 12 years of production at a full production capacity of 950 000 t/y.
In February this year, Petmin announced that it had authorised the development of an openpit mining operation and that a contract to build a R56,7-million coal-beneficiation plant had been signed in December 2005.
Earthworks relating to the plant platform, access roads, tailings dam and stormwater handling are nearing completion and are on budget.
Detailed design on the plant is complete and procurement is under way.
The project is fully funded, following a successful capital raising of R75-million and the securing of a loan facility with a major financial institution for a further R40-million.
Stemele Bosch Africa, Senet, Dave Peatfield and Leomat Construction.
© 2009 Petmin Limited