PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Phosphate developer Avenira has started mining activities at its Baobab project, in Senegal, with first production remaining on target for the second half of 2016.
The company reported on Tuesday that mine and process plant access roads had been completed, with the openpit ramp being established.
“It is very pleasing to see the Baobab phosphate project development advancing rapidly. The project team is making solid progress in all key areas and the project remains on budget and on schedule for first production in the second half of 2016,” said Avenira MD and CEO Cliff Lawrenson.
“The project is fully funded to production, while separately Avenira retains cash reserves, allowing the company to proceed with development beyond Stage 1 of the project.”
The Stage 1 operation would produce at a rate of 500 000 t/y phosphate concentrate, with capital expenditure expected to be some $15-million. The operation has been designed to allow for multiple stages of expansion.