Skorpion Zinc Project in Namibia Awarded
The Skorpion Project Joint Venture formed between Bateman Project
Holdings Limited (BATEMAN) and SNC-Lavalin Inc., has been awarded a
contract by Anglo Base Namibia (Proprietary) Ltd, a unit of Anglo American
plc, to execute the basic engineering, detailed engineering, procurement
and construction management (EPCM) 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 003.The Skorpion mine will produce 150000 t/yr over a mine life of at least 15 years. The project will use new technology
in the recovery of zinc, consisting 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," says Roger Falls, BATEMAN Deputy Chief Executive.
BATEMAN has been involved with the Skorpion project development since
January1998, which has included a feasibility study and the EPCM 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 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, Moçambique, 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 in
the form of specialist niche technologies supported by managerial, technical,
commercial and financial services.
BATEMAN is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (symbol:BATEPRO)
and has an established global infrastructure targeted to serve markets
in Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Europe and the Middle East.
Present at the signing of the Skorpion Project joint-venture agreement
between SNC-Lavalin Inc. and BATEMAN were, standing, Stanley Yach and
Richard Klue (both BATEMAN) and Adrian Owens (SNC-Lavalin) and sitting,
Roger Falls (BATEMAN), Normand Morin (SNC-Lavalin), Norman Green (Ambase)
and Dr John Herselman (BATEMAN).
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