Richards Bay Minerals said that work on its new tailings treatment plant project is progressing well, with completion scheduled for next year.

The new heavy minerals plant will treat previously processed tailings and tailings produced from the existing minerals separation plant. The project will lead to increased capacity at RBM and will fill an expected gap in the global market.

Mr Cameron McRae MD of RBM said that “The project team has achieved capital cost reductions. This has been achieved by unbundling contracts to get the benefit of reduced commodity prices as well as more reasonable installation and manufacturing contracts.”

All site preparation work has been completed on the plant, with bulk earthworks 60% complete and piling 50% complete.

Orders for civil and structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and piping contractors are imminent and will be confirmed shortly. Engineering design is 80% complete, with steel detailing 70% complete. All work on site to date has been completed by local black economically empowered companies, with orders worth more than ZAR 32 million. In addition, more than 87 000 injury-free hours have been recorded on site.

Mr McRae said that “The project will extend the life of the mine and will increase RBM’s economic contribution. It will create employment opportunities during the construction phase with an estimated 40 permanent positions created when operational.”

The project was approved in May 2008 at a capital cost of ZAR 1.2 billion.

(Sourced from Miningweekly.com)