Modern Mining August 2016

MINING News

Sese Joint Venture commits to major work programme

Australia’s African Energy Resources reports that First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has committed itself to spend- ing A$3 million on work programmes to advance the Sese integrated power proj- ect in Botswana. Additionally, a 12-month extension – to 12 July 2017 – has been agreed for the investment of the remain- ing A$7 million required to complete First Quantum’s earn-in for a 75 % interest in the Sese Joint Venture. African Energy says the A$3 million commitment will be used to undertake a number of programmes which will com- mence immediately. These will include additional large diameter drilling to collect approximately 1 000 kg of coal for com- bustion testing and physical handling test work. This will lead to the development of the fuel specification for the proposed power station, and finalisation of the coal handling and processing flowsheet. Preliminary geotechnical evaluations of the proposed power station site will be undertaken to assess sub-surface condi-

tions with respect to footings for the power station (boilers, turbines, generators) and ancillary infrastructure while hydrogeolog- ical studies at the mine site to characterise aquifers will be carried out to allow mine design and aquifer management plans to be advanced. In addition, African Energy will update the environmental approvals to allow up to 450 MW of power generation (staged development of 2 x 225 MW units) and the associated coal mining and processing, update the mining study and start on pre- liminary power station design and layout. The company also says it will com- mence early site works to include an upgraded access road and preliminary sit- ing of camp facilities. The Sese coal licence contains 5 bil- lion tonnes of low strip ratio coal. African Energy announced in January last year that a joint venture with FQM – which owns the Kansanshi and Sentinel copper mines in Zambia – to develop one or more power projects at Sese was proceeding. 

HOISTING SOLUTIONS Winder Controls is a leader in the mechanical, electrical and hydraulic design, manufacture and installa- tion of mine winders and related equipment. Our designs comply with the latest international safety and reliability standards including SIL assessments where applicable. Our services include relocations, refur- bishment and upgrades, as well as full aftersales and maintenance support. In addition we offer a range of special products including steel wire rope handling equipment, Three Chamber Energy recovery systems and Nuclear Waste Disposal Technology.

Tel: +27 (0)11 383 9300 www.winder.co.za

Fax: +27 (0)11 383 9305 email: winder@winder.co.za

Regional layout of key elements of the Sese integrated power project showing the outline of the pros- pecting licence, ML application area and key infrastructure elements (proposed mine site, power station site, water pipeline and transmission/grid connection).

August 2016  MODERN MINING  15