Name and location
Mana gold project, Burkina Faso.

Project description
The Mana gold project has proven and probable reserves of 10,6-million tons, grading 2,92 g/t of gold, including the Nyafe and Wona deposits, containing 997 400 oz of gold.

The project has an estimated eight-year mine life producing gold at an average rate of 125 000 oz/y for the first three years, and 90 000 oz/y for the last five years of mine life. Based on an average recovery rate of 84% the carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant will produce a total of 840 000 oz of gold.

Value
The capital cost of the project is estimated at $58-million, with an additional $12-million for a mining fleet.

Duration
The commissioning of the project is expected at the end of 2007.

Breakdown of main contracts
Not stated.

Client
Semafo.

Latest developments
The principal road construction at the project has been completed. The foundations for the plant are 95% complete. Structural steel for the plant is on site and the erection process is under way. Power generating equipment is on site and is currently being installed.

The stripping of the Won pit is well advanced. A total of 800 000 t of material has been removed and partly used for the construction of the water and tailings dams. The water dam is nearing completion and has begun accumulating water from rainfall. The tailings dam construction is progressing to plan.

Two water tanks and two of the six CIL tanks have been installed, with completion scheduled for July.

The crushing circuit is currently being delivered on-site. The apron feeder is scheduled for delivery in August, as is the elution package and regeneration kiln.

The 2 000-t/d ball mill is scheduled for delivery in September, while the 4 000-t/d ball mill is scheduled for delivery in December. Stripping of the Nave pit was scheduled to start in July.

Participants
Geneva (engineering, procurement and construction management).

Construction materials
Not stated.

On budget and on time?
Work is progressing on schedule.

Contact details for project information
Semafo, tel +1 514 744 4408,
fax +1 514 744 2291 or email info@semafo.com.