The company reports that the project is well under way and will serve as an important reference for the Bateman Group, as a whole, to gain further projects in the region.

The KDI, established in 1953, is a large, comprehensive Grade A institute that combines investigation, design, studies, mapping, geotechnical construction, geologic disaster prevention, counselling and research.

With the KDI responsible for most of the detailed engineering of the plant, Bateman Engineering's responsibility involves process design and basic engineering for the entire plant, detailed engineering for the smelter area, design and programming of the plant control system, supervision of erection and commissioning as well as assistance with procurement of imported equipment.

The plant uses dc arc furnace technology to produce titanium dioxide (TiO2) slag from ilmenite mined in the region. Some critical equipment related to the dc furnace and slag milling is being imported from Europe and South Africa, but the majority of other equipment is supplied by Chinese suppliers.

Installation of the mechanical equipment started in July, and commissioning of the plant is planned to start late in 2008.

The plant will produce 85 000 tons a year of TiO2 slag, a substance which is mainly used as a feedstock in the pigment industry. The slag will be produced from a feed of ilmenite using dc arc furnace smelting technology in a 30-MW furnace. The furnace will be designed with an off-gas scrubber and the cleaned furnace gas will be used as combustion fuel for use within the plant, increasing overall energy efficiency.

CYMG has diverse interests in ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This project is part of the company's plan to move out of lead production and into the TiO2 slag and pigment industry.

Bateman Engineering's main focus is on the minerals and metals industries worldwide, including mining, minerals and metals processing, ferroalloys, mineral salts, environmental protection, bulk-materials handling, and even water and effluent treatment. The company also serves the power and energy markets in Southern Africa

Solutions are provided to the challenges of converting natural resources into marketable products through process-orientated engineering, specialist niche technologies, financial and commercial facilitation, and contracting and project management. The company carries out all kinds of projects, from large turnkey contracts to retrofits, modifications, plant audits and the installation of processing equipment.

The company's corporate head-office is in the Netherlands and has operational centres in India, South Africa, Australia, Russia, Botswana and China.

Bateman operates primarily in developing regions with evolving economies, where satisfying market needs and securing new business is promoted by the ability to assist clients to raise project funding and arrange commercial agreements. Commercial risk is managed through flexible contract structuring.

The company's delivery of core project-management capability and general global competencies to difficult and remote terrains with minimal infrastructure, is usually associated with the exploitation of wealth-creating products such as precious metals and diamonds. With the assistance of a networked communications system, projects can be conducted by task forces that draw together the collective expertise and experience of the company, the client and other specialists.

Bateman's engineers are specialists in applying technologies to design and construct process plants tailored to client specifications. Bateman ensures that innovative but proven technology is offered to its clients by remaining abreast of the latest process technologies through its global networks.

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