Name and Location
Sabodala gold mine expansion project, Senegal.
Project Description
The Sabodala gold mine expansion project is an openpit gold mine located in south-east Senegal, which started operations in March 2009.
Mineral Deposit Limited (MDL) plans to expand the capacity of the gold plant from two-million tons to four-million tons a year.
The expansion project calls for a new gyratory primary crusher and reclaim system to complement the existing jaw crusher, a second ball mill and associated pumps and cyclones, three new leach tanks and agitators, and an additional tailing thickener. Proposed additional mining equipment includes a hydraulic shovel, five haul trucks and two blast-hole drill rigs.
Based on existing reserves, the expansion will reduce the life of the existing Sabodola pit from 11 years to 7 years.
Value
The expansion project is expected to cost about $80-million.
Duration
Operations started at the Sabodala plant in late March 2009.
Detailed engineering, delivery of long-lead-time equipment and construction of the expansion is expected to take about 15 months, with completion scheduled for mid-2011.
Client
MDL.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
Wärtsilä (power station construction).
Latest Developments
Gold production for the 2009 calendar year was budgeted to be about 160 000 oz. MDL has reported production of 162 529 oz from the start of operations in March 2009 to the end of December, 2009.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
MDL, tel +61 3 9909 7633, fax +61 3 9621 1460 or email mdlmail@mineraldeposits.com.au.
Wärtsilä investor relations officer Natalia Valtasaari, tel +358 10 709 5637, fax +358 10 709 5219 or email natalia.valtasaari@wartsila.com.