Name of the Project
Vametco and Vanchem operations expansion.

Location
South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Bushveld Minerals.

Project Description
Bushveld’s Vametch and Vanchem operations are on track to achieve sustainable production of between 5 000 t/y and 5 400 t/y by the end of 2022.

Studies have been conducted to determine the optimal path to increase production at the operations to 8 000 t/y.

In Stage 1, it is proposed that a semiautogenous grinding (SAG) mill be installed at Vametco to establish a permanent and reliable supply of feedstock for both operations in anticipation of further capacity expansion.

Stage 2 will result in the refurbishment of Kiln 2 at the Vanchem plant to increase production from 2 600 t/y to between 3 600 t/y and 3 700 t/y.

Stage 3 will entail the refurbishment of Kiln 1 to increase production from between 3 600 t/y and 3 700 t/y to between 4 600 t/y and 4 800 t/y.

In Stage 4, single kiln capacity at Vametco will be increased from 2 800 t/y to 3 400 t/y; this will result in an overall increase in group production of about 7 600 t/y to 8 000 t/y.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The expansion will require capital expenditure of about $151-million.

Installation of the SAG mill will cost about $32.9-million. The refurbishment of Kiln 1 and Kiln 2 will cost $53-million and $37-million respectively.

The increase in single kiln capacity will cost about $28.2-million.

Planned Start/End Date
The installation of the SAG mill is expected to take 24 months, the refurbishment of Vanchem’s Kiln 1 and 2 from 18 to 24 months, and the increase in single kiln capacity 12 to 18 months.

Latest Developments
None stated.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
METC South Africa and MSA Group (feasibility and prefeasibility studies).

Contact Details for Project Information
Bushveld Minerals, tel +27 (0)11 268 6555 or email info@bushveldminerals.com