Name and Location
Bisha gold/silver/copper/zinc project, Eritrea.
Project Description
The project will involve the construction of a conventional openpit mine.
The Bisha mineral resource contains three ore types: a gold- and silver-bearing oxide cap, underlain by a secondary copper-mineralised supergene ore, which is, in turn, underlain by the primary ore, with chalcopyrite and sphalerite mineralisation. The three ores will require different processing techniques and equipment.
Mining will take place in eight phases. Three phases will target the oxide ore, two phases will target the supergene ore and the remaining three phases will target the primary ore.
The mine is expected to produce 471 000 oz of gold in the first year of operation and 424 000 oz of gold in the second year.
Copper production will begin in the second year and will peak at 184-million pounds in the fifth year of operation. The mine will begin producing zinc in its sixth year.
Value
The preproduction capital cost estimate for the mine has been adjusted from about $250-million to about $260-million.
Duration
The mine is expected to start production in the second half of 2010.
Client
Nevsun Resources (60%) and the Eritrean government (40%).
Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.
Latest Developments
The mine is approaching 50% completion, with procurement at about 90%.
The mills have been delivered and preparations are under way for their installation.
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Nevsun Resources, Kin Communications, tel +1 604 684 6730 or email ir@kincommunications.com.