Name of the Project
Tala/Hamza zinc/lead project.

Location
The project is located in Bejaia, in northern Algeria.

Client
Terramin Australia.

Project Description
The project has mineral reserves of 25.9-million tonnes grading 6.3% zinc and 1.8% lead; and mineral resources of 53-million tonnes grading 5.3% zinc and 63% lead.

An updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) has concluded that, over the 21-year life-of-mine, the plant is expected to produce an average of 129 300 t/y of zinc concentrate at 54% zinc (89.6% recovery) and 26 000 t/y of lead concentrate at 63% lead (73.2% recovery), peaking at 153 000 t/y zinc and 36 000 t/y lead concentrate.

The mining method proposed for the exploitation of the Tala Hamza zinc deposit is underhand drift-and-fill, which allows for mining in low strength rock types and provides for improved control of work areas.

Ore from the project can be treated with conventional froth flotation to produce high-grade zinc and lead concentrates. Ultrafine grinding with Isa Mills, or their equivalent, will be used to improve the concentrate grade.

The process plant is expected be operated as a continuous process with a throughput capacity designed to meet the planned mine production rate of 4 000 t/d.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has an after-tax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $303-million and an internal rate of return of 14%, with a payback of nine years.

Value
Total preproduction capital is estimated at $341.37-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
Based on the positive DFS results and expansion potential, Terramin is progressing further optimisation studies and permitting in 2018.

This should allow for the base case project to proceed in conjunction with studies into expansion cases.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Terramin Australia, tel +61 8 8213 1415 or email info@terramin.com.au.