Modern Mining August 2023

intercept lengths that were particularly interest ing. The high-grade area that we are targeting has grades in the region of 2,5% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO).” Given that Mozambique is a well-established mining jurisdiction, it offers a host of equipment and service suppliers, a skilled labour force and essential infrastructure including roads, rail, water and power. In fact, Altona’s Monte Muambe project has a number of neighbours in the coal mining space, a large iron and steel project and a scattering of small mining operation, including gold projects. “When we started drilling, and undertook a request for quotations for drilling services, we were spoilt for choice given that there were already five contractors on hand. From an infrastructure point of view, railway trans port is accessible within a short distance from Monte Muambe and there is access to clean energy from the Cahora Bassa hydro power plant.” Altona Rare Earths has ambitious plans to be a clean energy miner and is targeting net zero carbon emissions and intends to consider the use renewable energy includ ing solar and wind power, as well as to

connect to the grid to access hydropower from the Cahora Bassa hydropower plant. “We will definitely investigate the use of backup energy which may include carbon-based energy. The Tete Province offers coal bed methane (CBM) – which is a much cleaner option than diesel and

Aerial view of the Monte Muambe project.

Drilling activities underway to firm up the resource.

August 2023  MODERN MINING  21