Name of the Project
Mowana copper mine dense-media separation (DMS) plant.

Location
Botswana.

Client
Cradle Arc.

Project Description
The project has a maiden openpit ore reserve estimate of 31.8-million tonnes grading 1.17% copper for 370 800 t contained copper metal, based on the DMS mine plan. Measured and indicated resources are estimated at 55-million tonnes grading 1.17% copper for 640 000 t of contained copper. Inferred mineral resource material is estimated at 3.7-million tonnes grading 0.93% copper for 34 500 t of contained copper, which is being treated as waste in the life-of-mine schedule and represents further potential upside if resource confidence is ultimately improved into the measured and indicated categories.

The DMS upgrades and associated ancillary upgrades are expected to increase nameplate copper in concentrate production from about 12 000 t/y of copper to about 21 000 t/y of cop-per, peaking at 27000 t/y of copper in Year 3.

The planned DMS upgrades are based on the acquisition, installation and commissioning of two 150 t/h, DMS modular units and associated ancillary circuits and equipment. 

Upgrades to the tailings underflow pumping will be required, as well as remedial works within the tailings storage facility, to ensure efficient and effective operations. 

Certain plant units will also need to be upgraded so that they are aligned with the requirements of the DMS plant and can cater for the additional tonnages required on the dry section, as well as the holding capacity required for concentrate thickening and tailings disposal. Controls will also be enhanced for maximum efficiencies throughout the plant.

Mowana has a mine life of 14 years.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Current ore reserves at Mowana give the project an after-tax net present value, at an 8% discount rate, of $272.8-million.

Value
The total costs of the DMS plant and associated upgrades are estimated at $20-million.

Duration
Construction work is expected to start later this year, with a construction timetable of about 11 months.

Latest Developments
Cradle Resources started an accelerated development plan in April 2018.

Mining operations have been ramping up and two mining units are operating full time in the openpit, allowing access to ores below the 960 level. 

These works will support a doubling of tonnage to the existing processing plant and the planned integration of the DMS will then enable the plant to produce an average of about 21 000 t/y of copper.

In mid-May 2018, the first 40 000 t blast of transitional ore was produced in line with the mining reserve plan.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Wardell Armstrong International (Mowana resource remodelling).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
Cradle Arc, tel +44 20 7499 5881.