First Quantum Minerals may invest USD 25 million to construct a tailings storage facility at its Kansanshi Mine unit to increase copper output in Zambia.
The Torontro listed miner said there are plans to construct a tailings storage facility at its Kansanshi Copper Mine near Solwezi town in north western Zambia. The proposed facility is required for additional tailings that will be produced as a result of increased productions at the mine.
According to the company’s environmental impact assessment report submitted to the Environmental Council of Zambia the project estimated between USD 20 million and USD 25 million is expected to create 200 jobs during construction period.
The report added that the existing sulphide TSF is near and based on the amount and future production levels, a second sulphide TSF is required. The facility is required for storage of additional mineral processing waste known as tailings that will be produced at the mine. It will be located east of the mine with a capacity of about 200 tonnes of tailings covering an area of approximately 600 and be operational for about 20 years.
The company envisions that a tailings delivery pipelines will be installed to transport tailings from the processing plant to the TS. The proposed TSF will be constructed in a shallow valley located on the eastern side of the current mine development. The company plans to relocate more than 50 households in Mbonge and Kabwela to pave way for the project. The project will also result in the re-routing of the road from Solwezi to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kansanshi mining operations began in 2004 and since then several mine expansions have taken place. In 2009 Kansanshi milled 5.6 million tonnes of oxide ore and 15.6 million tonnes of oxide ore and 15.6 million tonnes to produce 244,979 tonnes of finished copper. Other infrastructure power support for the TSF will be provided from the mine through 33 kilowatt power line to be routed along TSF delivery pipelines.
(Filed by Mr Kapembwa Sinkamba SteelGuru Correspondent Zambia)
