Zambian copper mine annual output 25,000 T - Teal
Mon Sep 3, 2007 7:21AM EDT
reuters.com
LUSAKA, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Preliminary results suggest Canada-based TEAL Exploration & Mining Inc. (TL.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) could produce 25,000 tonnes of contained copper per year at its project in Zambia, a senior company executive said on Monday.
The firm, majority-owned by South Africa's African Rainbow Minerals (ARIJ.J: Quote, Profile, Research), said a technical study of the Konkola North copper project had shown that an existing shaft at the abandoned mine could be used to gain access to the ore body.
"The technical aspect of the feasibility study for the Konkola North Copper Project in Zambia has been completed indicating a mine capable of producing 25,000 tonnes a year of contained copper," Julian Gwillim, TEAL's vice president of investor relations and corporate development, said in a statement.
"We are in the process of finalising the processing options and all final numbers of copper production will be available once we finish all aspects of the feasibility study," he told Reuters separately.
Gwillim said TEAL would now begin securing long lead items such as electrification for the mine winder system, upgrading of the power supply, and detailed design of the steelwork sections in the shaft that requires replacement.
"The mining contractor will also be appointed and underground work will also continue, which will allow mining to commence as soon as soon as the mine winders have been installed," Gwillim said.
TEAL also plans to start producing 12,000 tonnes of finished copper per annum at the Mwambashi Copper Project in this mineral-rich southern African country of 11.5 million people. |
