Bateman / SNC-Lavalin Joint Venture Wins Skorpion
Contract
MONTREAL, CANADA and JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA--
OCTOBER 19, 2000 - 08:01 EDT
The joint venture
formed between Bateman Project Holdings Limited and SNC-Lavalin
has been awarded a contract by AngloBase Namibia (Proprietary)
Ltd, a unit of Anglo American plc, to execute basic engineering,
detailed engineering, procurement and construction management for
the development of the Skorpion zinc mine and refinery near Rosh
Pinah in southern Namibia. The capital cost of the project is
more than US$450 million.
Construction is to commence immediately, with first production
expected in the second quarter of 2003. The Skorpion mine will
produce 150,000 tonnes per year over a mine life of at least 15
years. The project will use new technology in the recovery of
zinc, which consists of leaching followed by solvent extraction
and electrowinning (SX/EW), making Skorpion one of the lowest cost
producers in the world.
"The award of this major project reinforces our foothold in the
base metals industry and adds to our portfolio of exciting
projects in Southern Africa," said Roger Falls, Executive
Director, Bateman Minerals & Metals Division. Bateman has been
involved with the Skorpion project development since January 1998,
which has included a feasibility study and the engineering,
procurement, construction and construction management for a pilot
plant for the treatment of Skorpion zinc ore.
"This is an important project for the region and a significant
opportunity for future business for our company world-wide," said
Jacques Lamarre, President and Chief Executive Officer of
SNC-Lavalin. "Not only does this contract acknowledge our
expertise in the zinc sector, but it will serve to expand on our
vast experience in Africa, particularly in Southern Africa, where
we have been involved in several major projects." The company has
worked on the Alusaf and Mozal aluminium smelters at Richards Bay,
South Africa and Maputo, Mozambique, respectively, as well as on
major ongoing projects in chemicals and petroleum and
infrastructure in North Africa.
SNC-Lavalin Group is one of the leading engineering and
construction firms in the world, and a key player in the ownership
and management of infrastructure. The group and its companies
have offices across Canada and in 30 other countries, and are
currently working in some 100 countries. The company is listed on
the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: SNC).
Bateman Project Holdings Limited, a member of the Edward L.
Bateman group of companies, is an international process-orientated
engineering, contracting and project management company providing
comprehensive solutions for the conversion of natural resources
into marketable products. The company, which is listed on the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange (symbol: BATEPRO), has an established
global infrastructure targeted to serve markets in Africa, the
Americas, Australasia, Europe and the Middle East. |
