PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Algerian mining regulator has issued ASX-listed Terramin Australia with the mining permit for its Tala Hamza zinc project, satisfying all the regulatory, financial and environmental requirements for the project.
The mining permit will allow for the processing of two-million tonnes a year of ore, instead of the 1.3-million tonnes a year anticipated in the 2018 definitive feasibility study (DFS), with Terramin expecting the project’s returns to be enhanced over the expected mine life of more than 20 years.
The mining permit encompasses all the areas of land required for operation of the mine including mining, processing, haul roads, ore stockpiles, tailings dams, concentrate handling and maintenance and administration.
“Terramin is exceptionally delighted to have received the mining permit for Tala Hamza. The mining permit is the most critical factor in any new project development and is the most important achievement towards project implementation,” said executive chairperson Bruce Sheng.
“Having this mining permit finalised and issued by the Algerian mining regulator has been an enormous accomplishment for the entire team at Terramin including our board, management and all staff who have been associated with this major world class project. I would like to personally thank all those involved.”
The 2018 DFS into Tala Hamza estimated that the project could recover 129 300 t/y of zinc concentrate and 26 000 t/y of lead concentrate over a mine life of 21 years.
At the time, it was estimated that the project would require a capital investment of A$449-million.