Name and Location
Bindura smelter restart project, Zimbabwe.

Client
Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC).

Project Description
BNC currently operates the Trojan nickel mine and concentrator adjacent to the Bindura smelter complex. Trojan has an offtake agreement with Glencore for all concentrates produced at its concentrator. The objective of the restart of the smelter complex is to improve the percentage payment for the contained metals and reduce transport costs.

The restart includes:
• the continued operation of the dryer, with no changes to the existing plant, which is currently in operation to dry concentrate prior to shipment;
• rebuilding the furnace sidewalls and endwalls, and the installation of updated, water cooled elements in the matte and slag taphole areas;
• retaining the furnace hearth, with an allowance for minor repairs incorporated in the capital estimate;
• retaining the furnace roof, with some repairs required to the roof skew beam; however, a full replacement has been allowed for in the capital cost for the restart;
• the upgrade of the furnace feed system to a semiautomated and fully sealed system;
• the upgrade of the furnace off-gas system by installing cyclones as the primary particulate abatement equipment to reduce dust load on the electrostatic precipitators and improve furnace pressure control. This will ensure environmental compliance requirements for particulate emissions according to historical permit conditions; and
• the replacement of the motor control centre equipment and the control system and instrumentation for the furnace, converter, gas handling and utility areas.
The other plant areas’ maintenance and upgrades include:
• the refurbishment of other process areas as required, which comprises converters, granulation, silica crushing and utilities such as cooling water, plant and instrument air; and
• the refurbishment of structures, walkways and sheeting where required.

Concentrate output is expected to be about 160 000 t/y.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Value
The restart capital estimate is estimated at $26.5-million.

Duration
The smelter will likely resume operations in the first half of 2015.

The restart will take an estimated 6.5 months to implement after the preparatory phase. Meeting this schedule will require engineering, procurement and construction to occur concurrently, which significantly increases the risk of programme slippage.

Latest Developments
BNC has been granted prescribed asset status by Zimbabwe Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa. This will enable BNC to seek funding through the marketing of a fixed-term bond to help fund the restart of the Bindura smelter.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Mwana Africa investors and media, Caroline Mathonsi, tel +44 203 696 5470 or email cmathonsi@mwanaafrica.co.uk.