Name and Location
Mopani synclinorium shaft project, Kitwe, Zambia.

Client
Mopani Copper Mines (MCM), which is owned by Carlisa Investments Corporation, a joint venture registered in Zambia comprising GlencoreXsrata (73.1%), First Quantum Minerals (16.9%) and ZCCM Investment Holdings (10%).

Project Description
The Mopani synclinorium shaft project will establish a hoisting and ventilation facility to extract copper ore from the Nkana orebody, which forms part of the MCM complex, in Kitwe.

The shaft-sinking project aims to extend the life of the mine by a further 30 years – beyond the expected depletion dates of the existing Mindola North, South Ore Body (SOB) and Central shaft reserves of 2015, 2017 and 2018 respectively.

The new shaft will provide Mopani with access to an estimated 115-million tons of ore at a grade of 1.9% copper and 0.09% cobalt.

The project includes the construction of a 7-m-diameter main shaft and a 6-m-diameter ventilation shaft to depths of 1 277 m and 1 167 m respectively.

The new shaft will allow for ore production at the Nkana mines to be maintained above four-million tonnes a year by 2017 and increase the life-of-mine by 25 years.

The new shaft will provide Mopani with access to about 115-million tonnes of ore at a grade of 1.9% copper and 0.09% cobalt.

Value
Not stated.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Murray & Roberts Cementation Zambia has completed the sinking of the synclinorium shaft project. “The last blast of the Main shaft took place on September 30, 2014, with the shaft at a final depth of 1 280.85 m below the shaft collar,” says project manager Neil Mackay.

The scope of work comprised a blind sink of a 7-m-diameter downcast lined shaft with a bulk air cooler level, two electrical cubbies and two stations. The equipping and commissioning of the shaft started at the end of October. The erection of a new headgear, a winder and roping up the shaft is scheduled for 2015.

The current date for commissioning of the shaft is December 2015.

Noteworthy achievements at the synclinorium shaft project to date include a record 96 m of sinking and lining achieved for the month of August 2013 and a lost-time injury-free figure of 290 days. However, a challenge has been the pumping of up to 24 000 l of ground water daily from the shaft. This groundwater is pumped to the surface from where it is diverted into a settlement pond for treatment.

Equipment deployed on the project by Murray & Roberts includes stage and kibble winders, a five-boom jumbo shaft drill rig, a five-deck working stage with a cactus grab, two mini excavators and an automated batch plant. All equipment is serviced in a comprehensive on-site workshop by a well-trained team to ensure operational excellence and adherence to stringent safety measures.

Murray & Roberts has also pioneered several health and safety innovations at the syclinorium shaft project. These include a new system to replace the old system of hand signals and pull bells to communicate from the shaft bottom to the working stage platform. The new system consists of a radio installed in a worker’s hardhat, with a built-in speaker and microphone to enable hands-free operation. The shaft bottom signalling system enables the sinker at the shaft bottom to give the kibble winding engine driver signals from a handheld unit.

Electronic alcohol-testing equipment has also been deployed to measure the blood alcohol levels of all workers entering and leaving the site. The system is linked to the entrance turnstile and will not allow a worker to enter if he or she is in violation of the zero parameter.

Another innovation has been the introduction of directional rope lights on the stage to indicate the direction of the kibble to workers at any given time.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Redpath (drilling).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
MCM, tel +260 1 221023, fax +260 1 221057 or email mcorporate@zccm-ih.com.zm.