Kenmare operators of Moma Titanium Minerals Mine has completed the relocation of the dredge, which forms part of the Wet Concentrator Plant (WCP) B mining operation.
“Completing the relocation of WCP B’s dredge safely and within the expected timeframe is an important milestone for the project.
“The 23km purpose-built road performed well and we are confident in its ability to support the WCP in the coming days. We look forward to providing another update when the relocation and safe offloading of WCP B has been achieved,” said Michael Carvill, Managing Director at Kenmare.
Kenmare previously announced three development projects that together have the objective of increasing annual ilmenite production to 1.2 million tonnes (plus co-products) on a sustainable basis from 2021, with the move of WCP B to the high grade Pilivili ore zone being the final project.
The increased production is expected to significantly lower cash operating costs to between US$125 and US$135 per tonne (in 2020 real terms).
Consequently, from 2021 the Group expects to be positioned in the first quartile of the industry revenue to cost (or margin) curve, supporting stronger free cash flow generation and providing for increased shareholder returns.
The dredge was transported 23 kilometres (km) along a purpose-built road from its previous mining area at Namalope to a new high grade ore zone called Pilivili and has now been placed onto concrete plinths at its destination.
The move was undertaken using platform vehicles called self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) by a specialist heavy lifting and transport contractor.
Following the successful relocation of the dredge, the SPMTs are returning to Namalope to transport the WCP along the same route.
