Namoya heap-leach gold project, Democratic Republic of Congo

2nd March 2012 By: Lisete Bigala

Name and Location
Namoya heap-leach gold project, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Client
Banro Corporation.

Project Description
The Namoya project is situated at the south-western end of the Twangiza-Namoya gold belt, in the Maniema province of the eastern DRC, and covers an area of 174 km2.

The preliminary assessment for the project proposes a two-million-ton-a-year heap-leaching processing facility and will produce about 131 000 oz/y of gold bullion, with an upfront, three-stage crushing system to produce 10 mm material, which will be agglomerated, transported and stacked on a permanent leach pad by a series of conveyors.

The proposed heap-leach operation could produce an average of 124 053 oz/y of gold, over a seven-year mine life.

The total installed power for the mine is estimated at 4 MW and will be provided by diesel generators.

Value
$148-million.

Duration
The bulk earthworks are expected to start in May 2012 and the plant is scheduled to be commissioned in March 2013.

Latest Developments
MDM Engineering has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract for the Namoya gold project.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
MDM Engineering (EPCM).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Banro Corporation tel +1 416 366 2221 or email info@banro.com.
MDM Engineering, tel +27 11 993 4300, fax +27 11 886 9306 or email info@mdm-engineering.com.