adminFreda Rebecca, in operation since 1988, has accumulated tailings storage facilities of about 13.5 million tonnes.
“During 2012, project work was initiated to evaluate the economic potential of these tailings dumps. An internal augering programme was carried out over the old North and South dumps at Freda Rebecca. Assay results together with basic bottle roll test work gave sufficiently encouraging results to embark on a full metallurgical test programme,” Mwana Africa said in a statement.
It said the test work was divided into two phases.
The aim of the first phase was to identify the most promising process route for the treatment of the tailings material. The second phase being to optimise process parameters on the process route selected.
Results achieved in Phase I indicated that gold grades on the samples received ranged between 0.40 and 0.83 grammes per tonne.
“Based on the results from the above test, work on construction of a pilot plant at Freda Rebecca to validate the laboratory test work has commenced. The pilot plant will be used to gather representative data and to conduct variability test work at a level which will determine optimum operating conditions and design parameters for any potential future larger scale facility. The pilot plant is targeted for commissioning in Q3 2013”, read the statement.
Mwana Africa chief executive Mr Kalaa Mpinga said if results from the pilot plant proved that treatment of the tailings was viable, a full scale tailings treatment plant would have the potential to contribute to annual gold production.
“The initial results from the test work on the tailings at Freda Rebecca are encouraging. Should the results from the pilot plant prove that retreatment of the tailings is viable, a full scale tailings retreatment plant has the potential to contribute significantly to annual gold production at Freda Rebecca,” he said.
Online Reporter