NOTABLE PRODUCE
The atmosphere on site at the Mowana copper project in Botswana is buoyant, with the plant producing saleable concentrate up to 28% copper
Photo by: Bloomberg
Africa-focused gold and copper exploration and development company Alecto Minerals has started test production at its Mowana copper project, in Botswana, after initial commissioning at the project’s process plant, says CEO Mark Jones.
He notes that Alecto is moving at speed to deliver continuous production and first sales at Mowana, where first production blast was projected for the end of March, using a local contractor.
Jones, in a statement in March, highlighted that the “the atmosphere on site is buoyant”, with the plant producing saleable concentrate up to 28% copper. This will comprise part of the first tranche of product to be delivered to minerals and energy trading company Fujax Minerals & Energy, under a five-year copper offtake contract.
Aim-listed Alecto believes that early test production at Mowana strengthens the value proposition of the project and, accordingly, the estimated timetable for re-admission of its shares has been pushed back, and is expected to be completed by the end of May. This is to ensure that the value of this production is accounted for and represented on re-admission.
Mowana’s contractor for an initial six months, Giant Transport Holding, has started operations on site, where, as of March 22, the conventional crushing and screening circuit has been successfully operating for two weeks, stockpiling crushed ore. “. . . with Giant already on site, our stockpile is increasing,” Jones says.
Exploration and production drilling solutions provider Capital Drilling has been awarded the drill and blast contract for the project and was mobilising its equipment to site, as of March 22.
“It is significant that we have been able to sign up a company of Capital Drilling’s profile to provide future drill and blast service,” adds Jones.
The company has also appointed Vincent (Paddy) Conran Mowana GM. He boasts over 25 years’ experience in mining and mineral processing.
“Paddy’s vast experience in running mines in Southern Africa, and particularly his in-depth knowledge of the treatment processes that are applicable to the Mowana project, further strengthen our confidence that we will achieve our near term goals,” Jones enthuses.
The company posits that these latest developments reflect its commitment to establish Mowana as a significant and profitable copper mine.
“Of course, there are still some hurdles to overcome before we can announce that we are in full-scale production, but our project is being derisked on a continuous basis and we enjoy fantastic relationships with excellent operational partners, which have the expertise to help us deal with any challenges,” extolls Jones, adding that he is looking forward to providing further updates regarding the first blast and additional operational achievements on site, during what is “a very exciting time” for Alecto.