Construction on tin exploration and mining company Alphamin Resources’ Bisie tin project, in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is about 90% complete and is on track for commissioning and first production in the second half of this year, says Alphamin Resources CEO Boris Kamstra.

The company received approval in October to draw an additional $25-million under its previously announced credit facility of up to $80-million. The funds are being applied towards the development of the project. Commissioning of the primary crushers of the process plant is planned for this month, and commissioning of the gravity concentration building is scheduled for March.

Kamstra tells Mining Weekly that the company’s current objectives are to complete the construction of the Bisie tin mine on time and within budget, commission and ramp up efficiently to become cash positive as soon as possible following the completion of construction, and continue fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders in the DRC.

“After commissioning, we aim to reach nameplate capacity and maintain it for six months. Thereafter, we need to apply some funds to explore nearby and exciting prospects,” Kamstra enthuses. He believes that Alphamin will produce tin for the next 60 years.

The Bisie tin project employed about 1 500 people at the peak of construction, excluding crews that worked on road infrastructure. The company constructed a 36-km-long access road from the nearest national road to the project and, in January 2017, the first vehicle in history arrived at Bisie. He highlights that about 800 people will be permanently employed when the mine is operational.

The project continues to add value through job creation, construction, connectivity and development of economic infrastructure, he adds. Moreover, he highlights that the project has improved the area to such an extent that intergovernmental organisation the United Nations withdrew its base in the region towards the end of 2017.

Alphamin continues to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders in the DRC by facilitating open communication.

Kamstra mentions that the company has a good relationship with the country’s government, which is a direct shareholder in the project. Further, the company keeps all stakeholders and decision-makers updated on challenges it faces, new developments, and opportunities.

Moreover, Kamstra was named by compliance company Assent Compliance as number six of the Top 100 Corporate Social Responsibility Influence Leaders of 2018 globally. The list is researched independently and honours individuals that embody corporate social responsibility, and the way in which they use their influence to help others establish or improve their corporate social responsibility programmes.

Their efforts contribute to improvements throughout global supply chains, helping individuals and companies to make a positive difference.

“I think they named me because they couldn’t name the company,” Kamstra quips. He notes that the entire Alphamin team deserves the recognition, adding that the trust between the company and the community is a consequence of “every person’s approach and interactions”.

Alphamin Resources will attend the Investing in African Mining Indaba next month and Kamstra states that the company looks forward to meeting with stakeholders and interested parties, such as potential suppliers, investors and partners.

He believes that the mood at this year’s event will be more buoyant than that of last year.

“South Africa has a Mineral Resources Minister who can be addressed and spoken to, and who has an understanding of the industry, as well as a President who similarly understands the industry, so the pieces are in place for it to be a far more productive event than it was last year,” he advances.

The Mining Indaba will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from February 4 to 7.