Modern Mining January 2022

ODERN M INING January 2022 | Vol 18 No 1 For people who are serious about mining

IN THIS ISSUE…  VUP tracking well against the post-COVID forecast  Towards peak production  Kamoa Copper – a new era in commercial copper production

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CONTENTS

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ARTICLES COVER 12 Ushering in a new era in electronic blast detonation DIAMONDS 18 VUP tracking well against the post-COVID forecast MANGANESE 22 Towards peak production COPPER 26 Kamoa Copper – a new era in commercial copper production GOLD 30 Singida to deliver transformational growth for Shanta Gold PUMPS & VALVES 34 Reiterating the need for a holistic approach to pumps and valves FUTURE OF BULK HANDLING 38 Conveyor technology: designing for the future by innovating the present

REGULARS MINING NEWS 4 Asante Gold appoints mining contractor for Bibiani Gold Mine 4 Pushpender Singla joins Minerals Council board 5 SRK appoints Dominique Sambwa as DRC chair 5 High grade results continue at Yaouré Gold Mine 6 Kumba Iron Ore concludes R1,6-billion community mining contract 6 Akobo Minerals intersects visible gold at 205 m depth 7 Drilling results show life of mine extension potential at Yanfolila 8 BHP invests in Kabanga Nickel and Lifezone in Tanzania 8 Perseus achieves near-mine exploration success in Ghana 9 Amplats sells interest in Bokoni Mine 9 Kibali delivers another stellar performance 10 ZAC builds 28 ablution blocks built for Zululand communities 10 Barrick’s Bulyanhulu acquires highly prospective licences in Tanzania 11 Significant progress in Cora Gold’s ESG activities in Mali SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS 42 Selecting the right rubber lining for your application 42 New IMDEX rig count figures show strong growth in major mining regions 43 FLSmidth builds African capability for tomorrow’s mines 44 Compact Condra crane delivers higher than normal lifting height 44 Epiroc launches Mobius for Drills, a data hub for mine operations 45 New iron ore mine added to Kwatani’s Northern Cape footprint 46 Weba steps in to save mine’s endless chute worry 46 Locally built diesel pumps for every application 47 Training mechanised operators enters virtual age EXPERT VIEW 48 The impact of changing leadership on the mining sector and its ability to comply

ON THE COVER As mines seek to gain further improvements in safety, efficiency and productivity, BME’s new AXXIS Titanium, said to be one of the world’s most advanced electronic blast detonation systems, ushers in a new era in safe and efficient blasting. See story on page 12

January 2022  MODERN MINING  1

SA’s apparent need for urgent exploration investment

I n his recent speech, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa was banking on a rejuvenation of its ailing mining industry to help counter the economic devastation wrought by the coronavirus and the subsequent lockdown imposed to curb its spread. The need to rebuild investor confidence in a sector that once formed the bedrock of Africa’s most-industrialised econ- omy has been identified as a key tenet of an economic recovery plan for the country. There is talk of government’s target to lift min- ing’s contribution to the country’s GDP from the current 8% to 10% in the near term. In my view, this remains a pipedream, until issues that are known to be hindering competitiveness and investment in the sector are addressed. In an environment where reserves are depleting, mining exploration can be the catalyst for future economic growth and business opportunity. The lack of investment in new exploration projects in South Africa is worrying. According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, South Africa’s exploration budget decreased from US$404-million in 2007 to US$87-million in 2017. South Africa’s mining exploration has declined from representing 2% of global exploration histori- cally to less than 1% today. Geological database quality also lags behind other jurisdictions, a factor considered to deter mining exploration. In order to overcome this challenge and put South Africa in a better position to encourage exploration investment, a recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) suggests that a compre- hensive exploration growth strategy is required. It should revolve around remapping high potential geographical areas, improving the quality of the geomapping platform, and encouraging risk capi- tal through a flow-through share scheme similar to the Canadian model. One of the stumbling blocks of mining invest- ment in South Africa are the regulatory hurdles. Red tape remains an ongoing issue for many businesses, but one that is particularly well-docu- mented in the highly regulated mining industry. To provide context, the Minerals Council notes that more than R20-billion of potential investments in South African mining projects by members of the Council are tied up in regulatory hurdles, a position that undermines the industry’s ability to increase its productivity. South Africa, therefore, should rethink its regu- latory framework to enforce regulation in a much more permanent, stable and predictable manner.

The global best practice approach for this is to legislate regulatory requirements and to leave as little administrative discretion as possible in regu- latory requirements. Mining investments by their nature are for the long term, and when you change the rules of the game frequently, it becomes uncomfortable for investors. A stable regulatory environment is important for the country to attract the much needed mining investment. According to BCG, this would require a sig- nificant amendment to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA). Although this would be an arduous and time-consuming process, it would be massively beneficial to regu- latory stability and certainty since, in the long term, it would mean that mining regulation is subject to full parliamentary scrutiny. The incessant power issues in South Africa are also a deterrent for investors. The mining industry endured the equivalent of 30 days of no power in 2019, and it is estimated that the sector lost in the region of 4% of total planned output during the same year due to power outages. The unstable power grid seriously hinders new mining investment. On the back of the estimated R7-billion to R12- billion of lost production due to load-shedding in 2019, which is anticipated to continue until 2022 at least, the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 10, 2021 that the threshold for self-generation power project licences would be lifted for projects generating up to 100 MW of power was a positive development for the country. The Minerals Council has already indicated its commitment to work closely with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and Eskom to ensure rapid development of at least 1,6 GW embedded generation projects that are already being planned by mining companies. These will be largely private-sector funded renewable energy projects. The Mineral Council’s initial estimates are that this development could lead to additional short and medium-term investment by the industry solely in embedded generation projects of around R27-billion. This has the potential to raise South Africa’s overall growth rate. What is needed as a next step is to develop concrete plans to shorten the grid- tie licencing process with Eskom, and to expedite environmental authorisations without compromis- ing their integrity. 

COMMENT

Munesu Shoko

Editor: Munesu Shoko e-mail: mining@crown.co.za Features Writer: Mark Botha e-mail: markb@crown.co.za Advertising Manager: Bennie Venter e-mail: benniev@crown.co.za Design & Layout: Darryl James

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Average circulation July-September 2021: 10 696

2  MODERN MINING  January 2022

MINING News

Asante Gold appoints mining contractor for Bibiani Gold Mine

Asante Gold Corporation (CSE: ASE/ FRANKFURT: 1A9/U.S.OTC: ASGOF) has awarded the contract to conduct mining activities at the Bibiani Mine to PW Mining (Ghana), and mobilisation to site has commenced. Open pit mining operations will start in February, including the development of satellite pits and provision of feed material to the process plant from Q2 2022. Main pit development, to its planned ultimate +350 m depth in 2029, includes a 4-stage cut back programme. Total material move- ment will be up to 75-million tonnes/year. PW Mining will mobilise up to 125 units of

heavy equipment, including drills, exca- vators, haulage trucks, bulldozers and ancillary equipment. Site establishment includes construction of a heavy equipment maintenance facility, offices and a training centre. PW Mining has been in operation in Ghana since 1994 and has delivered proj- ects for many major mining companies in Ghana, including most recently for the Asanko Gold (Galiano Gold) Obotan mine. PW Mining employs a highly trained and motivated workforce in West Africa, with Ghanaians representing over 98% of its staff. PW Mining’s reputation of delivering

projects safely, on time, and to the high- est standards has been well established. In 2016 and 2019, the Ghana Chamber of Mines awarded PW Mining the Mining Services Contactor of the Year Award for outstanding service and for being a mining industry leader. More than 850 people will be employed by PW Mining at the Bibiani site. Having previously been contracted to mine at Bibiani, PW Mining is well known to the local communities where most of its work- force will be sourced. Asante and PW Mining are committed to employ more than 70% of the mine workers from the imme- diate community. To support achievement of this objective, a training centre will be built and equipped with a state-of-the art heavy equipment simulator facility, ensur- ing operators are trained and certified to the highest industry standards. Refurbishment of the process plant was initiated in September 2021 and remains on track and on budget for first gold pour in Q3 2022. To achieve this objective, more than 900 people have been working on site. Douglas MacQuarrie, president & CEO, says: “Our team has been impressed by the quality of people, resources and record of success in the mining business that PW Mining brings to the Bibiani Mine. Asante looks forward to working with PW Mining, and all our other project partners, to continue to deliver a safe and successful operation.” 

Mobilisation to site has commenced.

Pushpender Singla joins Minerals Council board

International Zinc producer, Vedanta Zinc International (VZI), has announced that the Minerals Council of South Africa has appointed VZI executive director and chief financial officer, Pushpender Singla as a member of its board. “I am pleased and honoured to join the Board of the Minerals Council of South Africa. I look forward to contributing to the success of the organisation and contribut- ing to further transformation, development and growth of the South African mining industry,” says Singla. The Minerals Council’s directive is to facilitate interaction among mining com- panies to examine policy issues and other matters of mutual concern to crystallise

and define desirable industry standpoints. A variety of initiatives are in place to pro- mote collaboration between members. Consultation and collaboration are volun- tary and never encroach on the autonomy of members. Singla is a chartered accountant both in India and South Africa. He has over 15 years’ experience in the mining sector in Australia, India and Africa. He is a multi-skilled busi- ness practitioner with a wide range of experience. He was appointed CFO at Vedanta Zinc International in October 2016. The Minerals Council acts as a princi- pal advocate for mining in South Africa to government, communicating major policies endorsed by its members. 

Singla is a Chartered Accountant both in India and South Africa.

4  MODERN MINING  January 2022

SRK appoints Dominique Sambwa as DRC chair

High grade results continue at Yaouré Gold Mine Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX: PRU) has reported continued exploration success at its Yaouré Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire. Recent results from Perseus’s ongoing infill and down-dip extension drilling on the CMA structure at Yaouré confirm strong potential for further mineral resources beneath the CMA open pit (CMA Underground prospect). Perseus will use results to upgrade the CMA Underground Inferred Mineral Resource estimate to Indicated status, enabling a Pre- Feasibility Study (PFS) for an underground mining operation to be completed by late June 2022, including an initial ore reserve estimate. Perseus’s MD and CEO Jeff Quartermaine says: “With our three gold mines, Yaouré, Edikan and Sissingué, now producing gold at an annualised rate of over 500 000 ounces per year, Perseus’s focus has turned to main- taining this level of production out to the end of the current decade and beyond. “Our latest infill and step out drilling results from below Yaouré’s CMA open pit confirm previous drill results that indicated that mate- rial quantities of additional Indicated Mineral Resources, capable of being economically mined using underground mining methods, may be delineated. “We are aiming to complete a Preliminary Feasibility Study of this mining operation by the end of the Q2 2022, however, timing of the completion of this work will depend on the ultimate footprint size of the orebody as deter- mined by the current drilling programme.” 

copper and cobalt mine Gécamines in 1998. His role expanded into plant production management, and then into process plant planning and establishment. After returning to the prospecting field in 2006, he entered consulting in 2008 as the founding manag- ing director of Onyx Consulting, before joining SRK Consulting in 2010. His work at SRK has included sev- eral greenfield and brownfield projects around the DRC, Guinea, Tanzania and Zambia. These have focused on vari- ous facets aimed at resource estimation, including exploration, quality assurance and quality control compliance, best prac- tice, data management, GIS and project management. Looking to the future, Sambwa says an important aspect of his role as chairman is to promote the application of global stan- dards in the field of geological reporting. “To build a firm foundation for the country’s mining sector, it is critical that exploration and mining data generated by mining operations is accurately reported in line with accepted standards,” he says. “SRK will also continue to nurture and men- tor local professionals, to help build internal capacity and growth.” Sambwa holds a BSc (Hons) in geol- ogy and mineralogy from the University of Lubumbashi, and is a member of the Ordre National des Géologues du Congo and the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He speaks French, English, Swahili and Lingala. 

Exper ienced geological consul tant Dominique Sambwa has been appointed chairman of SRK Consulting Congo, based in Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Sambwa has 25 years of experience in the minerals sector of the DRC, having joined the SRK Lubumbashi office when it was established over a decade ago. The office now has 14 local professionals and support staff, and is an integral part of SRK’s global network of engineers and scientists in over 45 offices. Sambwa’s career began in field explo- ration, leading him to join state-owned Dominique Sambwa has been appointed chairman of SRK Consulting Congo.

January 2022  MODERN MINING  5

MINING News

Kumba Iron Ore concludes R1,6-billion community mining contract

“This is a major step in showing how South Africa can unlock its growth poten- tial through mining. We have always seen mining as a catalyst for broad-based devel- opment. This contract goes far beyond philanthropy or corporate social responsi- bility. This is the business of mining, and it will help ensure host communities become direct participants in, and beneficiaries of, the mining operations that take place in their own back yards,” says Mkhwanazi. The joint venture will start mining opera- tions at Kolomela’s Kapstevel South project in Q1 2022, with an initial target of produc- ing between 5 – 10-million tonnes of ore in the first year. As part of the contract, Kumba will provide ongoing upskilling and support to the joint venture to ensure quality and safety standards are met. The contract marks the first in the indus- try where local community suppliers will be used to run mining operations of this scale and magnitude. The joint venture comprises four 100% black community-owned companies:  AND310 Mining Services is the majority shareholder at 60% and is 51% black female-owned based in Mothibistad. Its MD Kabelo Burks Andreas has extensive mining experience with De Beers and BHP Billiton.

 Postmasburg-based Andisa Holdings holds 15% shareholding and has been supplying loading and hauling services to the mining industry for more than 10 years. Its MD is Wayne Witbooi.  Matshla (Pty) Ltd, which services the min- ing and agriculture industries, holds 10% shareholding. It is headed by Kennedy Botsheleng, who has nearly two decades of experience in the mining industry, in both underground and opencast mines.  Peontle Investment (Pty) Ltd holds 15% shareholding and is based in Boichoko, Postmasburg, and is headed by Mangaliso Kies. Joint venture spokesperson Kabelo Andreas says the contract is a “massive step for transformation” in the local mining industry, as the communities would for the first time operate and benefit directly from their local mining operations. “This is very exciting and big step up for us. We may be small businesses, but we are all steeped in mining and in our communities. Now we will have iron ore under our fingernails and on our balance sheets. We want to be the proof that min- ing, through local models like this one, can deliver real value that can be shared by all stakeholders – from local businesses and our community,” says Andreas. 

Kumba Iron Ore CEO Themba Mkhwanazi.

Kumba Iron Ore has announced the award of an industry first R1,6-billion mining contract to a new black-owned and com- munity-based joint venture to mine iron ore at its Kolomela Mine in the Northern Cape. The joint venture represents another major advance towards Kumba’s goal of developing sustainable communities and businesses that help transform the South African mining industry. Kumba Iron Ore CEO Themba Mkhwa­ nazi says, “Awarding a R1 ,6-bi l l ion contract to community-based miners is truly groundbreaking. It is the most tangible demonstration yet of Kumba’s commitment to the economic inclusion of local suppliers from our community.

Akobo Minerals intersects visible gold at 205 m depth Akobo Minerals has intersected visible gold at 205 m hole depth as part of its extension drilling programme at its Segele project in Ethiopia In addition to the visible gold previously reported, the latest

result indicates that the high-grade mineralisation continues 50 m further down dip than reported on November 4, 2021. The discovery underpins the company’s belief that the Segele project can sustain a significantly longer mine-life than envisaged in the scoping study. In addition to the visible gold observations, since the release of the scoping study, the company has encountered several intersec- tions of potential host rocks which are demonstrably down-dip from the resource estimate. The combination of the host rocks and visible gold is in line with the general plunge of the mineralisation as seen in the resource model. The visible gold now seen in hole SEDD87 along with the previ- ously reported intersections with visible gold in SEDD53 and SEDD55 (extend the known gold mineralisation over 100 m to the Northwards down-dip of the mineral resource estimate. The company has further holes planned in the northern extension as it continues to test the down-plunge extensions. Jørgen Evjen, CEO Akobo Minerals, states: “The latest inter- sections are very exciting and confirm that the mineralised zone continues to expand and will have a significant impact on our resource estimate and mine-life in the future. With the latest visible gold we are quite certain the zone is still open at depth. The miner- alised zone also displays a pinch and swell pattern at deeper levels which is an encouraging sign, even though we have to wait for the assay results to confirm the potential gold content.” 

The discovery underpins the company’s belief that the Segele project can sustain a significantly longer mine-life than envisaged in the Scoping Study

6  MODERN MINING  January 2022

Drilling results show life of mine extension potential at Yanfolila Hummingbird Resources plc (AIM:HUM) has provided an update on its extensive 2021 exploration drilling programme at the Sanioumale West (SW) and greenfield deposits, Kama and Diaban, at the Yanfolila gold mine in Mali. As part of the LOM extension strat- egy, two new targets, Kama and Diaban, were drill tested to evaluate their Mineral Resource potential.

tegic goal of achieving a +10-year reserve mine life at Yanfolila.” Noris Del Bel Belluz, Group Technical Services manager at Hummingbi rd Resources, says: “These results continue to show the potential for ongoing increases in resources and reserves at Yanfolila. Now that this year’s extensive drilling campaign at Yanfolila has concluded, our geology team is interpreting these assay results, and those to come, to delineate additional Reserve and Resource ounces for the exploration drilling campaign in 2022, all of which will be included in our updated 2022 company resources and reserves state- ment, scheduled for release in Q2 2022.” 

At Kama, where historical shallow arti- sanal workings existed along the same structure hosting the Soloba mineralisa- tion and the Komana West deposit, 21 RC holes on a line spacing of 80 m were drilled for 1 800 m. In each drill section, narrow zones of mineralisation were intersected, confirming the existence of a mineralised system underlying the area. The third and northern most drill section intersected two shallow and separate mineralised intervals that remain open to the north and not drill tested to date.

Following the successful 2020 min- eral resource infill drill programme at SW, the focus for the 2021 drilling has been to follow up on the open-ended minerali- sation that could lead to further open pit extensions, and which would increase the mineable reserves available to add to the operation’s life of mine (LOM) plan. Some 44 holes were drilled and as per the included sections, these were targeting down dip or along strike extensions below the current pit design or below the base of the modelled inferred mineral resources. Due to the targeted nature of the drilling, many good intersections were recorded. Only the higher-grade southern portion of the 2,5 km-long SW structure was drill tested, with further drilling required to infill the northern portions of the structure and continue drill testing at depth of the higher- grade zones along the southern end of the SW structure. The current Mineral Resources at SW are made up of a significant portion of lower grade material ideally suited to heap leaching, as shown in recent bottle roll metallurgical test work. By including and targeting these lower grade resources in addition to the high grade CIL feed mate- rial, there exist many targets to continue growing the mineral resource and its mineable reserves. Drill testing at SW is still relatively shallow. An increased under- standing of the mineralisation controls and gold distribution at deposit will assist in its growth as an important ore source for the operation, which has recently started to be mined.

The Diaban drilling was test- ing a conceptual target over a 1,5 km-long portion of the regional Siekorole Shear Zone (near its intersection with the Sankarani Shear Zone upon which Gonka, Komana East and Sanioumale East deposits are located). The drilling intersected gold mineralisation, a highly positive sign that the struc- ture is connected to a mineralised system. Further study and analysis of the drill results, the RC chips and exploration data sets is required before further follow up drilling can be planned in 2022. Dan Betts, CEO of Hummingbird Resources, says: “Yanfolila cur- rently hosts a sizable resources and reserves profile of 1,93-mil- lion oz and 705 800 oz respectfully. With the latest positive drilling results from SW, in addition to the greenfield drilling results, we see potential for additional resources and reserves growth, taking us one step closer to the company’s stra-

Sanioumale West deposit satellite map historical and 2021 drill intercepts.

January 2022  MODERN MINING  7

MINING News

BHP invests in Kabanga Nickel and Lifezone in Tanzania

Kabanga Nickel Limited, a UK registered private company, is pleased to announce that BHP, a world leading resources com- pany, has invested US$40-million into Kabanga Nickel. The money will be used to accelerate the development of the Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania, the world’s largest development-ready nickel sulphide deposit. In parallel, BHP has invested US$10- million in Lifezone Limited to advance the roll-out of its patented hydrometallurgi- cal (hydromet) technologies. Lifezone hydromet is more cost-efficient than smelt- ing, has a significantly lower environmental impact and will ensure that finished Class 1

battery grade nickel, copper and cobalt will be produced in Tanzania. “We are delighted to announce this partnership with BHP. It highlights the world-class nature of the Kabanga deposit and its importance in helping meet the cru- cial decarbonisation challenge facing the world today. BHP is the ideal partner for Kabanga Nickel, bringing significant advan- tages and expertise that will enable us to move ahead with the project,” says Chris Showalter, Kabanga Nickel CEO. “BHP’s investment reflects the proj- ect’s strong ESG credentials and its role in improving environmental performance throughout the nickel value chain. In addi-

tion, BHP’s funding support of Lifezone’s hydromet technology – the future of sus- tainable metals processing – will drive progress towards a greener world. Through development of Kabanga and Lifezone hydromet, Tanzania will have a growing role in the supply of the battery metals needed to move to a global low carbon economy.” Future investment tranches in Kabanga Nickel have been agreed subject to cer- tain conditions, including a second tranche of US$50-million and the right for BHP to make a further investment in Kabanga Nickel subject to achieving certain agreed milestones. BHP will invest US$90-million in unse- cured convertible securities in Kabanga Nickel in two tranches: an initial US$40- million, followed by a further US$50-million on successful agreement of definitive doc- umentation and satisfaction of certain other conditions. The first tranche of US$40-million will convert into an 8,9% equity stake in Kabanga Nickel (7,5% see-through interest in Tembo Nickel Corporation) once approv- als and conditions are met. Once invested and on conversion the second tranche of US$50-million will increase BHP’s equity stake in Kabanga Nickel to 17,8% (15% see- through interest in Tembo), thereby valuing the project at US$658-million post-money. On satisfaction of additional conditions, BHP will secure the right to make a further investment in Kabanga Nickel subject to achieving certain agreed milestones. 

The chart, prepared by Wood Mackenzie and based on spot metal prices as at December 31, 2021, illustrates the superior mineral resources and mine-life of the Kabanga Nickel Deposit.

Perseus achieves near-mine exploration success in Ghana Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX: PRU) has recorded further impressive drilling results at its Nkosuo prospect on the Agyakusu Prospecting Licence, just 7 km from its Edikan Gold Mine in Ghana. Results confirm Nkosuo hosts near-surface, granite-hosted gold mineralisation similar in style to that mined in Edikan’s Fobinso and Abnabna (AG) pits.

aged by similarities between the Nkosuo deposi t and the Fobinso and Abnabna deposi ts which we have already successfully devel- oped, mined and processed at Edikan. “Whi le we are work- ing towards completing a maiden mineral resource estimate for Nkosuo in the f irst hal f of CY2022, we intend to continue exploring on the Agyakusu, Agyakusu-

Resource definition drilling is ongoing. Perseus expects to com- plete a maiden Mineral Resource estimate for Nkosuo early in the June 2022 quarter. Nkosuo discovery has the potential to extend Edikan’s mine life beyond forecast end in FY2026 – 2027. Perseus’s MD and CEO Jeff Quartermaine says: “As Perseus moves closer to achieving our goal of producing 500 000 oz of gold per year, we have turned our sights to finding ways of sustaining this level of gold production to the end of the decade and beyond. “Our exploration programme at Nkosuo has returned impressive results that demonstrate this prospect’s potential to add to Edikan’s mine life, with further successful drilling. We are particularly encour-

Perseus’s MD and CEO Jeff Quartermaine.

DML and Domenase exploration licence areas, all of which are under option to Perseus and all of which are located within trucking dis- tance of our Edikan mill.” 

8  MODERN MINING  January 2022

Amplats announces the sale of its interest in Bokoni Mine

Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has announced that Bokoni Platinum Holdings has entered into a sales and purchase agreement (SPA) to dispose of its 100% interest in Bokoni Mine to African Rainbow Minerals Limited (ARM). The company holds a 49% interest and its joint venture partner, Atlatsa Resources Corporation, holds a 51% interest of Bokoni Platinum Holdings. The transaction will include employees and local communities in the new ownership structure alongside ARM. Bokoni Mine has been on care and maintenance since 2017. Natascha Viljoen, CEO of Amplats, says “We are pleased to have concluded an agree- ment for the disposal of Bokoni Mine to an established mining company in ARM. In con- junction with our joint venture partner, Atlatsa, it was important that Bokoni Mine was sold to an operator with the technical and operational capability and access to funding to ensure the restart and sustainable future for the mine. The restart of the mine by ARM is expected to benefit employees, host communities, broader stakeholders and the regional economy, and allow employees and communities to partici- pate in a new ownership structure.” Bokoni Mine is located in the Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in the Limpopo prov- ince of South Africa. The joint venture was set-up in 2007 between Atlatsa and Anglo American Platinum. In 2017, Bokoni Mine was placed on care and maintenance, following several years of significant cash losses under difficult market conditions. In 2019, the joint venture partners com- missioned an independent technical study to evaluate options that would allow the mine to The Kibali gold mine produced a total of 812 152 ounces, well within guidance for 2021, and expects to increase its mineral reserves net of depletion for the third successive year, maintaining its plus 10-year life as one of Barrick Gold Corporation’s tier one assets. At a media briefing, Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow noted that this performance, which grew steadily stronger during the year, was achieved with no lost time injuries during the last quarter. Like all Barrick’s mines worldwide, Kibali retained its ISO 45001 safety and ISO 14001 environmental accredi-

be restarted. The study looked at options to position the mine with the necessary capital investment into a more sustainable opera- tion. Following the successful completion of the study, the joint venture partners decided to start a process to dispose of their interests in Bokoni Mine to a buyer that would be in a position to allocate the capital required to restart the operation. An extensive, inclusive and thorough process has been conducted to find a buyer with the necessary technical, operational and funding capacity to operate and invest in the mine, setting it on a new sus- tainable path. Under the terms of the SPA, Bokoni Plati­ num Holdings will receive an upfront cash consideration of R3,5-billion for the Bokoni Mine, which proceeds will be distributed to the joint venture partners in accordance with pre- existing commercial arrangements which take into account, inter alia, their respective share- holding interests, claims and entitlements. The transaction consideration unlocks value from the investment entered into by Atlatsa and its shareholders in 2007, which include the local communities, to support value creation for historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) through facilitated participation in the mining industry. The transaction is subject to the fulfilment or waiver (where capable of waiver) of, among others, the following notable conditions prec- edent: consent in terms of Section 11 for the disposal of a controlling interest in Bokoni Mine to the new owners by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and approv- als by the relevant competition authorities. The transaction is expected to complete in 2022.  tations. At the same time, Kibali continued to lead the group’s clean energy drive with power sourced from its three continuously upgraded hydropower stations supported by new back- up battery technology. “Kibali’s performance was supported by reinforced COVID-19 protocols to deal with the fourth wave of the virus. The mine worked closely with the DRC’s health authorities and the provincial government to source vaccines and to date has partially vaccinated 60% of its workforce, with 43% of the workforce fully vac- cinated,” Bristow says. 

Kibali delivers another stellar performance

January 2022  MODERN MINING  9

MINING News

ZAC builds 28 ablution blocks built for Zululand communities

their living conditions. Celani Z Mchunu, a mother of two small children, and a resi- dent of the Mlaba Traditional Council says: “These toilets are an invaluable addition to our community and have significantly improved the hygiene situation for my family. They are safe to use for adults and children which provides parents with peace of mind” Sihle Mlaba, who is also from Mlaba, says: “We are very thankful to ZAC for pro- viding us with these new toilets. Having proper ablution facilities brings a height- ened sense of dignity to our community.” Menar COO Bradley

Nyandeni noted that the facilities were designed for use in water-scarce commu- nities. “They utilise a dry sanitation system owing to the water constraints faced in the area,” Nyandeni says. ZAC Sustainable Development manager Khumbulani ‘Skopion’ Masuku says: “The toilets were constructed as part of a com- munity development project undertaken by ZAC to assist poor households in the mine-hosting communities to improve their sanitation facilities.” Community members expressed their appreciation for ZAC’s efforts to improve

Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC), a Menar Group company, has built and handed over 28 ablution units to rural communities located in the Zululand District Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal. The units are located in the mine-hosting Traditional Council com- munities of Mlaba, Zungu, Mandlakazi and Matheni. The facilities cost over R419 600 to build and were constructed by Conrite Projects, a contractor appointed by ZAC. The com- pany used local labour and materials to complete the project. ZAC Community Liaison Officer Levi

Hammond states the need for lavatories was identi- fied in partnership with local government. “Basic sanitation is something that many take for granted, but in impoverished communi- ties like the ones that host ZAC, private companies need to assist the govern- ment wherever possible,” Hammond says. “We are happy that we have been able to improve these residents’ sanitation situa- tion. The provision of safe, hygienic and permanent ablution facilities forms part of our group’s long-term commitment to uplift com- munities.” 

The units are located in the mine-hosting Traditional Council communities of Mlaba, Zungu, Mandlakazi and Matheni.

Barrick’s Bulyanhulu acquires highly prospective licences in Tanzania Twiga Minerals Corporation (Twiga), a joint venture between Barrick and the Government of Tanzania, has announced the acquisition of new prospecting licences in Tanzania by Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited (Bulyanhulu), a subsidiary of Barrick.

fied in the areas of land which are covered by the licences using Barrick standards for determining mineral resources. Bulyanhulu is required to invest a minimum of US$9-million in the licence area over the course of the four years following the closing of the transaction. Concurrently with the execution of the Purchase Agreement, Bulyanhulu has agreed to subscribe for, on a non-brokered private placement basis, 5 518 764 of common shares of Tembo at a price of C$0,27 per common share. The transaction and the private placement are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, certain regulatory approvals in Tanzania, and other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. Closing of the Transaction and Private Placement is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2022. Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow says the acquisition is a significant step forward in the company’s strategy of increasing its investment in new growth opportunities in Tanzania and a further demonstration of the value-creation potential of its part- nership with the government. 

Bulyanhulu has entered into a binding agreement with Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)(TSX:ABX), Tembo Gold Corp, the Mineral Industry Promotion and Consulting Company Limited (MIPCCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tembo, dated December 7, 2021 in respect of the acquisition of certain prospecting licences. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, Bulyanhulu will acquire from MIPCCL a 100% interest in six prospecting licences held by MIPCCL. The licences are located in areas adjacent to the Bulyanhulu mine and have the potential to add significant mineral reserves to Barrick’s asset base in Tanzania. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the consideration payable by Bulyanhulu is US$6-million, plus certain other contingent payments. Such contingent payments will be calculated based on the inferred, indicated and measured gold mineral resources identi-

10  MODERN MINING  January 2022

Significant progress in Cora Gold’s ESG activities in Mali

Cora Gold Limited, the West African focused gold company, has achieved significant progress in its environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts in Mali, including the appointment of dedi- cated ESG personnel, as its Sanankoro Gold Project moves towards the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). Cora remains committed to operating in ways that engage positively with local communities and minimise its impact on the environment. Accordingly, Cora is actively involved in programmes focused on alternative livelihoods, healthcare, and education within the vicinity of its operations. Having recently visited the community gardens of Sanankoro, Dako and Faragouagnia, as well as the village savings and credit association and saponification group at Bokoro, the company has noted significant progress. A new water well, financed by Cora, has been completed at the Dako community village garden, while at the village of Sanankoro, okra seeds have been planted, a donation was made to the health centre and a solar power kit and battery have been given to the community. At Faragouagnia, where Cora previously donated market garden equipment, the local community have begun to harvest onions. Furthermore, the village’s saving and credit association, which provides local people with funds to invest during the rainy season, is growing from strength to strength since its foundation by Cora. A general assembly has been held at the Sanankoro camp to address questions about potential future developments at Sanankoro from the surrounding communities was very success- ful. This was attended by representatives from Cora, Kangaba, Maramandougou, Séléfougou, Digby Wells, DNGM – Direction Nationale de la Géologie et des Mines, DNACPN – Direction Nationale de l’Assainissement et du Controle des Pollutions et des Nuisances, the civil society and permit communities. To coordinate its ESG commitments going forward, Cora has appointed Djibril Sanogo as ESG manager. Djibril has over 15 years’ experience overseeing environmental and community manage- ment for mining companies in Mali and advised several large gold mining companies in this regard including AngloGold Ashanti and Resolute Mining. At Somisy, which owns the Syama Gold Mine in Mali (80% owned by Resolute Mining), he was senior environmental coordi- nator from 2017 to 2020 responsible for managing environmental issues, including rehabilitation, biodiversity, water control, and vegetation control programmes and developing/reviewing envi- ronmental procedures. Most recently, Djibril was Health, Safety, Environment and Quality and Community manager at Carrières et Chaux du Mali,

a Malian company specialising in the production and com- mercialisation of quicklime and agricultural lime, where he over- saw the integrated HSEQ and community management system, provided his expert support and advice to the Board of Directors on ESG issues, and implemented an HSEQ monitoring framework. To further advance Cora’s ESG strategy, Dr Pete Whitbread- Abrutat has been appointed as ESG advisor. Pete is a mining ESG and sustainability specialist with over 30 years’ experience in

Bert Monro, CEO of Cora Gold Limited.

the international mining industry. He has previously worked in the private sector, academia, civil society and with the United Nations. Pete is a proficient project reviewer and has particular expertise in addressing environmental, community and ESG issues associ- ated with the mining sector, having worked on many international development projects. He established Future Terrains in 2014, a social enterprise tackling the challenges of degraded lands by working to improve environmental and community practices and helping to restore damaged places. Pete holds a PhD in the re-vegetation of mine wastes, is a Chartered Environmentalist, a Churchill Fellow, and a certified IEMA Lead Environmental auditor. Bert Monro, CEO of Cora, comments: “The appointment of two ESG personnel to direct and uphold our ESG responsibilities is a big step forward for Cora and reflects our commitment to setting a benchmark for the responsible development of a gold mine at Sanankoro in the future. “I am delighted to welcome Djibril as our ESG manager. He comes with a wealth of experience having worked on operational gold mines in Mali throughout his career and will be a critical team member onsite at Sanankoro, overseeing all of our various initiatives and maintaining our positive relationships with the sur- rounding communities. Furthermore, the addition of Pete as ESG advisor, whose expertise in sustainability will offer a huge support to Cora as we move forward. “Cora is committed to maintaining a constructive relationships and engaging positively with the local communities surrounding its permit areas and continues to be actively involved in programmes to facilitate this. I am pleased to see programmes we have started over a number of years are progressing well and continue to ben- efit the respective villages.” 

January 2022  MODERN MINING  11

COVER STORY

Ushering in a new era in electronic blast detonation

As mines seek to gain further improvements in safety, efficiency and productivity, BME’s new AXXIS Titanium, said to be one of the world’s most advanced electronic blast detonation systems, ushers in a new era in safe and efficient blasting, writes Munesu Shoko .

T he productivity versus safety debate has over the years been a major topic of discussion in the mining industry. The reality, however, is that increasing productivity and improving safety are two sides of the same coin. A safer mine is, in fact, a more productive one. Safe and efficient blasting is the goal for every mine. When developing its newly-launched AXXIS Titanium, Omnia Group company BME had these parameters in mind. The electronic blast detonation system brings safe and efficient blasting to the fore, enabling mines to increase productivity (mine more efficiently) and improve safety (not hurting anyone in the process). Safety to the fore The significance of safety in blasting cannot be reit- erated enough. With its dual basis of safety, the new

Tinus Brits, BME’s global product manager for AXXIS, holds the AXXIS Titanium logger. AXXIS Titanium sets new standards in electronic detonation. A major talking point is the use of dual capacitors and dual voltage, allowing for low voltage

AXXIS Titanium allows mines to program blasts of up to 35 seconds long for larger and more complex blasts.

12  MODERN MINING  January 2022

logging to avoid unplanned deto- nation. Tinus Brits, global product manager for AXXIS, explains that this is basically aimed at creating a sepa- rate line of communication for safe logging and testing of the detonator. Most other detonator systems in the market, he says, only use a single basis of safety. The lower voltage during logging and testing basically results in faster block preparation as blasters spend less time on fault finding and correct- ing errors on the pattern. “The dual capacitors ensure that less time is spent at the blasting point because all the potential pitfalls are sorted out during the lower voltage testing on the bench itself,” explains Brits. BME has also developed AXXIS Titanium to be resistant to electro-

magnetic pulses (EMPs) caused by the blast, which can affect the accuracy of detonators or even cause them to fail. The company’s intensive tests in con- junction with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) showed that its detonators can with- stand significant EMP without any impact on their timing. Underground blasting within confined spaces, notes Brits, makes detonators particularly suscep- tible to re-setting and misfiring due to voltages from EMP, as well as from dynamic pressures.

Over-moulding of all components on the electronic board protects the detonators against dynamic pres- sures, and isolates components from any induced ground currents such as electrostatic discharge and lightning strikes. Another safety feature of note is the triple redun- dant firing switch that ensures reliable and safe firing of the detonators. Every command is error-checked before it’s processed by the system. The blast com- mands have added reliability, thus preventing the risk of uncommanded initiation.

The commercialisation of AXXIS Titanium follows extensive laboratory and field testing in South Africa.

The development of AXXIS Titanium reflects BME’s continued focus on digital advancement on mines.

January 2022  MODERN MINING  13

COVER STORY

“The key logger is an important safety feature of the AXXIS Titanium System. It is the only control device that allows the blast to be fired, thus giving the overall control to the blaster. It controls the entire process, from testing through to detonation and charging of capacitors,” explains Brits. Additionally, the incorporation of a Swiss- designed application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip in the BME detonators delivers added benefits. These include further refinements in safety, accuracy, flexibility, ease of use and speed in prepar- ing each blast. Efficiency matters Blasting by its nature has a substantial economic effect on mining projects. A poor blast result usually means sub-optimal fragmentation and tight muck- piles. This slows the entire downstream processes, from loading through to crushing. With that in mind, BME paid special attention to blast efficiency when designing the AXXIS Titanium system. Performance is raised through the increased blast duration per detonator, more units per blasting box and precise firing. The accuracy of the detonator, explains Brits, has been enhanced, reaching 0,025% firing accuracy for consistent and quality blasting that results in better rock fragmentation and consis- tency. This has a positive impact on the efficiency of downstream processes such as load and haul, as well as crushing. The ASIC chip boasts more memory and process- ing speed, facilitating easier timing and centralised

programming if the timing needs to be changed after being conducted on the bench. It also achieves lower power consumption with the incorporation of dual capacitors – so more detonators can be initi- ated per blast. The system can now manage 1 000 detonators per blasting box, doubling the capability of the previous generation. Brits also notes that up to 20 blasting boxes can be linked and synchronised through hard wiring, enabling the possibility of initiating up to 20 000 electronic detonators in a single blast. “AXXIS has been proven in some of the largest mining blasts on record, giving mines the opportu- nity to conduct fewer blasts, thus reducing downtime due to pit closures. The ultra-low energy micro-chip is also less susceptible to leakage and cable resis- tance and extends the firing time to a maximum of 35 seconds.” The programmability of 35 seconds with 1 mil- lisecond intervals allows for blast designs to be precision-designed, resulting in improved fragmen- tation and consistency of blasts. The ease of use and on-bench logging is among the key benefits of AXXIS Titanium, says Brits, highlighting the one-step logging and testing of det- onators, as well as the simple fault-finding and quick corrections on the blast pattern as groundbreaking. “Everything is built into the logger, which can now do the programming, scanning and testing. The market appreciates the speed at which you can now fire a blast; after the detonators have been pro- grammed, you can start up the controller from the

The AXXIS Titanium system was built for the blaster and blast engineers who work with the product every day. Pictured from left to right are Andries Posthumus, product development manager, Tinus Brits, BME’s global product manager for AXXIS and Hennie du Preez, BME’s manager AXXIS Support.

14  MODERN MINING  January 2022