Name and Location
Moma titanium mine expansion, Mozambique.

Client
Kenmare Resources.

Project Description
The project involves increasing the Moma mine's production by about 50% to about 1.2-million tons a year of ilmenite and associated products.

Value
The costs of  the Moma titanium minerals mine expansion have been revised to $350-million from an earlier estimate of $300-million.

Duration
Kenmare is aiming to have the new facilities ramped up by the end of 2013.

Latest Developments
Kenmare reported in October that the nonmagnetic circuits, the last part of the expansion project to be completed, were being enhanced in the third quarter, resulting in interruptions and reduced production.

Although the upgrade took longer than expected, the work has been completed and the ramp-up of the enhanced nonmagnetic circuits to design production levels is in line with expectations. All circuits have been tested and have demonstrated the ability to run at design throughput levels. 

All of the main production facilities built as part of the 50% capacity expansion, are substantially complete and operational. The company states that no issues have to date been identified that are expected to have a major effect on the ramp-up or the ultimate ability of the expanded facilities to operate at nameplate capacity.

The recently installed voltage stabilisation equipment, Dip Doctor, is performing its intended function in mitigating the effect of power dips.  However, several unplanned power outages, rather than power dips, were experienced in September. Kenmare is working closely with Electricidade de Moçambique to identify and rectify the issues causing this instability. While production is expected to continue to increase in the fourth quarter as the expansion ramp-up proceeds, external power interruptions are a risk to achieving targeted production guidance for the year.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
E+PC (engineering, procurement and construction management contract).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Kenmare Resources, tel +258 21 494921 or +258 21 499701, fax +258 21 499731 or email kenmaremaputo@intra.co.mz.
Brunswick South Africa, on behalf of the Aveng Group, tel +27 11 502 7300 or fax +27 11 268 5747.
E+PC, tel +27 10 205 1000 or fax +27 87 807 0143.