Kansanshi copper pre-feasibility study
The Kansanshi Joint Venture (KJV) between Bateman Project Holdings
Limited and Kvaerner Metals, conducted a pre-feasibility study to develop
a potential large scale mining operation at the former ZCCM’s Kansanshi
copper mine north of Solwezi in Zambia’s north-western province
on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The work was
done for Cyprus Amax Minerals Company, Eagle wood, Colorado, USA.
The ultimate objective of the pre-feasibility study was to determine
whether to go forward with a final ‘bankable’ feasibility
study. Schedules for possible construction, pre-commissioning, start-up
and production were prepared with capital and operating cost estimates.
During this pre-feasibility phase a diamond drilling and metallurgical
mapping programme characterized the ore and identified the potential
for economic mining and beneficiation. Process flow sheets will be developed
for further evaluation. The available power, water and transport and
other infrastructure was also evaluated. General arrangement drawings
were prepared, showing the location of the mine, process and ancillary
facilities, for a mine complex capable of producing approximately 100
000 t/yr of copper.
KJV provided the project management, engineering and administrative
services required. Several consultants were involved in different aspects
of the study, including the geotechnical and tailings dam design and
environmental impact (SRK), hydrology (Water Management Consultants),
mine planning and ore reserve evaluation (IMC). The metallurgical test
programme was conducted by Hazen Laboratories.
The Kansanshi mine has a history going back some 400 years when high
grade copper oxide ore was mined from outcropping veins. Claims were
first pegged on these ancient workings in 1899 and copper mined sporadically,
at first from open-pit and later from underground workings. Open-pit
mining activities were resumed by ZCCM in the late ‘70s and only
recently terminated.
The pre-feasibility study commenced in September 1997. The drilling
results were encouraging and preliminary resource estimates were prepared
to support conceptual design development and preparation of preliminary
capital and operating cost estimates. The work was completed early in
1999.
For more details, please contact Mr Ian Martin, Engineering Manager,
on +27-11-899-3114.
basemetals@batemanengineering.com
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