Tanzania-based minerals exploration and development company Kibo Mining has appointed Aurecon to conduct a prefeasibility study (PFS) on a 300 MW coal-fired power plant in Rukwa, Tanzania.

Kibo CEO Louis Coetzee says the company is pleased with the acceleration of this study and the appointment of Aurecon. Following its appointment, Aurecon undertook a review of historically gathered information and the comprehensive nature of the data available enabled them to commit to delivery of the full PFS in early December 2014.

Aurecon power generation leader Ashley Grohn notes that the decision by Kibo to proceed with the PFS is another example of private-sector enthusiasm for the establishment of power infrastructure in Africa, as there are a growing number of independent power producers embarking on new developments on the continent.

“The coal reserves are extensive to the point that alternate energy conversion technologies could be entertained by Kibo in the future,” Ashley says.

In undertaking the Rukwa power plant PFS, Aurecon will assess and test the various available power plant technologies for performance and feasibility, including boiler technology and cooling system design. Power evacuation and environmental prefeasibility will also be investigated.

Ashley points out that the study provides Aurecon with another opportunity to leverage its global strength and knowledge in power project development into Africa.

“Aurecon is proud to be associated with this project as we perceive the socioeconomic benefits for the south-west region and for Tanzania to be substantial both during construction and operation of the project,” Ashley states.

Aurecon’s capability to provide end-to-end turnkey services, including environmental, power plant technology appraisal and power evacuation modelling, combined with its record with mining houses in sub-Saharan Africa on similar projects, were key factors in the company’s appointment.

Following completion of the study, Aurecon will assist Kibo Mining the next steps to enter full feasibility at the start of 2015.