Name and Location
Epanko graphite project, Tanzania.

Client
Kibaran Resources.

Project Description
The Epanko project has total mineral resource of 22.7-million tonnes at 9.8% total graphitic carbon for 2.22-million tonnes of contained graphite.

An upgraded scoping study has indicated that Epanko is an economically robust graphite deposit capable of producing premium-quality large-flake graphite, which has no limitations to its industrial use.

The study was based on the treatment of only 50% of the current total mineral resources estimated for the Epanko deposit.

The study assessed the viability of a simple opencut mine and conventional flotation process plant, with a throughput of 420 000 t/y to produce 40 000 t/y of high-grade graphite-flake concentrate grading between 94% and 97% carbon, with no acid treatment stage required.

The project has a substantial mine life.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a net present value of $213-million and a capital payback period of 2.5 years.

Value
The capital cost estimate for processing 420 000 t/y is $56-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The results of the scoping study have provided the company with sufficient confidence and a business case to advance the project to a feasibility study.

Kibaran has appointed GR Engineering Services to undertake the feasibility and project evaluation study on the project.

The study will 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 feasibility study is scheduled for completion in the June quarter of next year, with financing for the Epanko project likely to be secured by mid-2015.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
GR Engineering Services (feasibility and project evaluation study).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Kibaran Resources, tel + 61 8 6380 1003, fax +61 8 6380 1026 or email info@kibaranresources.com.
GR Engineering Services tel +61 8 6272 6000, fax +61 8 6272 6001 or email gres@gres.com.au.