Mineral exploration and development company Kibo Mining appointed engineering, management, design, planning, project management and consulting company Aurecon to conduct a prefeasibility study (PFS) for a 300 MW coal-fired power plant in Rukwa, Tanzania.

Kibo Mining CEO Louis Coetzee says: “We are pleased with the acceleration of this study and the appointment of Aurecon. Following their 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 last year.”

Aurecon power generation leader Ashley Grohn says the decision by Kibo Mining to proceed with the PFS is another example of private-sector enthusiasm for the establishment of power infrastructure in Africa, as the company sees 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,” adds Grohn.

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, he notes, adding that power evacuation and environmental prefeasibility will also be investigated.

Grohn says the study provides Aurecon with another exciting opportunity to leverage its global strength and knowledge in power project development into Africa.

“Aurecon is proud to be associated with this project as the company perceives the socioeconomic benefits for the south-west region and for Tanzania to be significant during construction and operation of the project,” he adds.

Aurecon’s capability to provide end-to-end ‘turnkey’ services including environmental, power plant technology appraisal and power evacuation modelling, combined with its track 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 with the next steps to enter full feasibility at the start of this year.