Montepuez proves up for Metals of Africa

10th February 2016 By: Esmarie Iannucci - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor: Australasia

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – A concept study into ASX-listed Metals of Africa’s Montepuez graphite project, in Mozambique, has estimated that the project could deliver up to 100 000 t/y of graphite concentrate, for a capital investment of $166-million.

Based on a processing rate of 1.2-million tonnes a year, the project is expected to have a mine life of over 60 years. The project currently has a mineral resource estimate of 61.6-million tonnes, for 6.3-million tonnes of contained graphite.

“We are delighted with the results of the Montepuez concept study, which provide the company with the confidence required to complete our prefeasibility study on the project, followed by project development,” said Metals of Africa MD Cherie Leeden.

“The strong outcomes of the concept study, along with the high quality of graphite at Montepuez combine to make what we believe is a compelling case to move forward with the project permitting and financing, and to advance the company plans to make the Montepuez project a significant graphite producing operation.”

The Montepuez project contains a very high proportion of large to super jumbo flake size, which could be sold into the flake graphite market. As part of the prefeasibility study, Metals of Africa would investigate supplying 100% of production into the spherical/recarburiser market, which would be likely to significantly increase the project’s profitability.