Name of the Project
Achmmach tin project.

Location
The project is located about 40 km south-west of Meknès, in central northern Morocco.

Client
The project is owned by Atlas Tin SAS, a joint venture, comprising Kasbah Resources (75%), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (20%) and Nittetsu Mining Co (5%).

Project Description
Achmmach has proven and probable reserves of seven-million tonnes grading 0.82% zinc.

The definitive feasibility study (DFS) envisages an initial ten-year mine life using underground mining methods. The DFS proposes that the Achmmach mine be accessed through the central portal boxcut at 1 015 mRL and eastern portal boxcut at 1 085 mRL.

The primary mining method proposed for the Achmmach deposit is conventional mechanised long-hole stoping.

As the geometry and thickness of the mining shapes vary throughout the different lodes, a combination of bottom-up cemented rock fill (CRF) and top-down open stoping methods is planned.

Stoping will be undertaken by retreating from the extremities to a central access. The mine design uses CRF in areas of higher-grade and greater ore width to minimise metal loss to pillars, with the lower-cost, open-stoping method used in the lower-value areas, which are developed later in the mine life.

Ore delivered by haul truck from underground will be dumped on the run-of-mine pad at 750 000 t/y.

The associated processing plant will incorporate ore sorting and high-pressure grinding rolls technology to produce about 4 500 t/y of tin in a 60% tin concentrate.

Overall tin recovery is estimated at 77%, with tin production of about 4 500 t/y of tin in concentrate, averaging 60% tin.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a post-tax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $98.1-million and an internal rate of return of 23% using a tin price of $21 000/t. Payback is estimated at four years.

Value
The project has an estimated capital cost of $96.4-million.

Duration
Kasbah aims to start construction in 2019 and production in 2020.

Latest Developments
Based on the positive outcomes of the DFS, Kasbah and the company’s JV partners in the project have requested that management proceed with securing funding for the project and offtakers for the tin product; and identifying a suitable engineering, procurement and construction contractor, as well as a capable underground mining contractor.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Kasbah Resources, tel +61 3 9482 2223 or email info@kasbahresources.com.