PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Graphite developer Walkabout Resources on Friday reported that a new three-year mine plan at its Lindi Jumbo mine, in Tanzania, had resulted in an expected 42.2% reduction in waste rock mining and a 23.5% reduction in total mined tonnes.
The company told shareholders that the significant reduction in waste rock and total tonnes mined had the potential to reduce operating costs at Lindi Jumbo, even at the current increased unit costs that resulted from higher inflation, increased fuel prices and ancillary mining costs.
Construction at the project is progressing apace, with nearly all of the mechanical equipment previously delivered to the site having been erected. The tailing storage facility is about 68% complete, and more than 19 000 t of high-grade ore have been stockpiled.
“The arrival in Tanzania of the remaining mechanical equipment further de-risks the completion of the Lindi Jumbo construction. The interim funding measures have been critical in delivering this result. We are excited at the progress achieved to date and what is expected over the coming few months,” said Walkabout CEO Andrew Cunningham.
The Lindi Jumbo project will produce 40 000 t/y of graphite over a mine life of 24 years.