Photo by: Bloomberg
PERTH (miningweekly.com) – A definitive feasibility study (DFS) for tin developer Kasbah Resources’ Achmmach project, in Morocco, has estimated that a capital investment of $181-million would be required to build the world’s eighth-largest tin mine and Africa’s biggest.
Based on the maiden ore reserve of 8.45-million tonnes, grading 0.78% tin, the Achmmach mine was expected to deliver about one-million tonnes a year of ore, to produce about 5 300 t/y of tin concentrate, over a life-of-mine of nine years.
First tin from Achmmach was expected in 2015.
The project was expected to have a net present value of some $126-million and an internal rate of return of 23.3%.
“Completion of the DFS is a significant milestone for Kasbah and sets the foundation to start project financing and offtake discussions,” said Kasbah chairperson Rob Marston.
“The company is now one step closer to achieving our objective of becoming a significant tin producer.”
Earlier this month, Kasbah received environmental approval for the Achmmach project, clearing the way for the finalisation of water and land access for the project’s operational requirements and to obtain the mining concession.