Name of the Project
Mponeng life-of-mine extension project.
Location
The project is situated on the Far West Rand, in Gauteng, South Africa.
Client
AngloGold Ashanti.
Project Description
The Mponeng mine is the world’s deepest mine and has a 50-million-ounce resource base and a 12.5-million-ounce reserve at a high grade of 10 g/t.
Phase 2 of the project’s design intends to establish a subvertical shaft extension to access the majority of the Carbon Leader Reef (CLR) and Ventersdorp Carbon Reef (VCR) ounces (excluding Phase 1) below the current 120 level through a single common infrastructure. This contrasts with the phased approach previously envisaged to access the orebody through a series of ramp and decline extensions, with independent focus on each of the orebodies.
Most of the revised approach to Phase 2 includes the ramp-up of development and other preparatory work for shaft sinking and access development.
This phase of the project is expected to access six levels on the CLR and four levels on the VCR using a vertical shaft extension.
The new approach, which optimises the project as a whole, is expected to establish Mponeng as a producer of 450 000 oz/y of gold for more than 20 years, with all-in sustaining costs improving to about $750/oz.
Jobs to Be Created
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.
Value
The capital cost of the Mponeng project will be about $1-billion nominal but is spread over ten years, with a maximum capital spend of only $80-million a year.
Duration
Not stated.
Latest Developments
The Mponeng life-of-mine extension project will be advanced to feasibility stage, with the related study scheduled to be completed by mid-2018.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
AngloGold Ashanti, Stewart Bailey, tel +27 11 637 6031 or email sbailey@anglogoldashanti.com.