https://www.miningweekly.com
Africa|Components|Design|Efficiency|Engineering|Infrastructure|Manufacturing|Mining|Resources|Roads|Screen|Screening|Equipment|Infrastructure|Operations
Africa|Components|Design|Efficiency|Engineering|Infrastructure|Manufacturing|Mining|Resources|Roads|Screen|Screening|Equipment|Infrastructure|Operations
africa|components|design|efficiency|engineering|infrastructure|manufacturing|mining|resources|roads|screen|screening|equipment|infrastructure|operations

Gem Resources processes 5 500 t of ore following Gravelotte restart

5th November 2024

By: Sabrina Jardim

Creamer Media Online Writer

     

Font size: - +

London-listed Gem Resources, formerly URA Holdings, has reported that Phase 1 of the restart at the Gravelotte emerald mine, in Limpopo, South Africa, has been under way for about six months.

During this period, the company has processed about 5 500 t of ore, primarily sourced from tailings and stockpiled materials. Initial results from Phase 1 have highlighted several key items and opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.

To capitalise on these findings, Gem Resources has engaged two local engineering firms to support its in-house team in manufacturing, installing and modifying components within the processing plant, which will boost its production capacity.

Moreover, the company says this initiative is aimed at improving recovery rates and minimising delays caused by equipment downtime.

Additionally, general site infrastructure has been systematically upgraded since the start of Phase 1.

KEY UPGRADES

A major improvement involves replacing the current screening trommel with a custom-made double-deck vibrating washing and sizing screen.

The new screen, now on site, is expected to be installed within a week, followed by calibration and fine-tuning.

Gem Resources says the new screen's robust design and larger capacity are projected to significantly increase daily processing volume and reduce downtime.

The company will update shareholders on the efficiency gains achieved after the screen has been operational for a sufficient period.

MINING OPERATIONS

In Phase 1, the material processed has primarily been from stockpiles and tailings, while some material removed as part of the preparation for the start of mining activities in both the Cobra and Discovery openpits, was also processed.

Gem Resources says preparations for the start of mining in the Cobra and Discovery openpits have been successful, with material cleared and access roads now completed in preparation for the start of mining activities at Level 8 in the Cobra pit and Levels 1 and 6 in the Discovery pit.

Upon completing the planned processing plant upgrades, Gem Resources notes that it will shortly initiate active mining in both the Cobra and Discovery openpits.

The company explains that this next phase will be a critical step in further ramping up production, improving the quality of the emeralds recovered as well as establishing a steady supply of high-grade ore for processing.

"We are pleased by the progress made during Phase 1 of Gravelotte's restart, which demonstrates the mine's potential to resume its historic position as a major source of emeralds.

“The upgrades and equipment additions will improve recovery rates and minimise production delays. As part of the startup phase, we were hoping to conduct a small trial sale in late September, but due to circumstances beyond our control we were unable to do so.

“We are currently looking at options to conduct a trial sale in the near future while we continue to stockpile material. I look forward to sharing further updates to keep shareholders informed of our journey of growth and renewal at Gravelotte,” says Gem Resources chairperson Ed Nealon.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

Comments

Showroom

Weir
Weir

Weir is a global leader in mining technology. We recognise that our planet’s future depends on the transition to renewable energy, and that...

VISIT SHOWROOM 
John Deere (Pty) Ltd
John Deere (Pty) Ltd

In 1958 John Deere Construction made its first introduction to the industry with their model 64 bulldozer.

VISIT SHOWROOM 

Latest Multimedia

sponsored by

Magazine round up | 06 December 2024
Magazine round up | 06 December 2024
6th December 2024

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION







sq:0.067 0.095s - 182pq - 2rq
Subscribe Now