PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Graphite miner Syrah Resources has reported an 83% increase in production between the second and the third quarters, as the company’s improvement plan at its Balama operation, in Mozambique, starts to take shape.
During the three months to September, Syrah produced 38 700 t of graphite, up from the 21 200 t produced in the June quarter, while production in the nine-months to September reached 71 100 t.
Syrah told shareholders on Thursday that the increased recovery and production at Balama was achieved on the back of the improvement plan that was implemented in July and August.
The production improvement plan will continue, with focus areas to include enabling recovery improvement, rigorous process control optimisation and governance of operating practices, as well as a comprehensive equipment management and spares and consumables programme.
Operations at Balama were partially suspended following the end of the quarter, following a fire at the primary classifier within the process plant. The fire resulted from hot work activities below the unit, during planned maintenance on piping.
Syrah was now expecting fourth quarter production to reach between 30 000 t and 35 000 t of graphite, as opposed to the previous estimate of around 63 000 t, while the full year production guidance stands at between 101 000 t and 106 000 t, down from the previous production target of between 135 000 t and 145 000 t of graphite.
While repairs on the primary classifier are undertaken, recovery improvement enabling works and identified maintenance items will also be advanced.