PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Junior explorer Kibaran Resources has launched a feasibility study on its Epanko graphite deposit, in Tanzania.
The study would be based on a project life of about 15 years, with production initially targeted at 40 000 t/y of high-quality, large flake greater than 75 micron.
The launch of the feasibility study followed from a positive updated scoping study, which upgraded the Joint Ore Reserves Committee-compliant mineral resource estimate to an indicated mineral resource of 12.8-million tons at 10% total graphitic carbon for 1.28-million tons of contained graphite.
The study estimated the capital cost for Epanko at A$56-million for an operation that produced 40 000 t/y of graphite concentrate, while operating costs had been pegged at A$489/t.
Kibaran subsequently appointed GR Engineering Services to undertake the feasibility and project evaluation study for Epanko.
The feasibility study was scheduled for completion in the June quarter of next year, with financing for the Epanko project likely to be secured by mid-2015.