adminAverage monthly production for the period under review was 3 858 ounces, taking total gold production for the six-month period following the commissioning of the second milling circuit to 25 259 ounces.
In a trading update, Mwana Africa chief executive officer Mr Kalaa Mpinga said difficulties with the new milling unit had led to the slump.
“Looking back on the last quarter, Freda Rebecca has been experiencing some short-term processing issues with the mills. These are to be expected after the commissioning of the second mill and ramp up in production rates,” he said.
“The mine management is focusing on optimising and fine-tuning the production processes.”
Mr Mpinga said breakdown of crucial machinery had also led to low production.
He, however, said necessary repairs had been done, adding that underground rock-moving operations had performed to expectations.
“Mill throughput was adversely affected by two mechanical failures during the quarter. Mill one experienced high non-drive and bearing temperatures associated with alignment issues through the drive train.
“Mill two had a mechanical failure on the air clutch assembly. Repairs have been carried out on mill one and two.”
The reduction in grade was attributable to a short-term variation associated with low grade portion of ore exposed during the commissioning of a new mining block, said Mpinga.
He said the company was still engaged in negotiations with the Government over compliance with the indigenisation laws of the land.
Meanwhile, Mr Mpinga said its other mining unit Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC) was still under care and maintenance.
“The Trojan mine remains ready to resume production subject to BNC securing required restart funding limited development and drilling continues at to be undertaken at Trojan,” he said.
“The mine hoisted 4 698 tonnes of waste and 32 tonnes of ore during the quarter as part of its care and maintenance programme. The current development is targeting key priority areas included in the restart plan.”
Mwana Africa closed both mines at the height of the economic meltdown in 2007 but resumed production at Freda Rebecca in 2009 following the adoption of the multiple currency system while the Trojan based nickel mine remained closed. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter