Modern Mining March 2019

GRAPHITE

ratios of the high value larger graphite flakes with up to 50 % of the total graphite in concen- trate in the Super Jumbo (+500 µm) and Jumbo (+300 µm) categories. The Lindi Jumbo graphite project boasts up to 74 % of natural flake sizes above 180 µm. The premium products pro- duced could allow the company to negotiate higher than average prices as general natural flake graphite product is smaller than 180 µm. The third pillar of risk mitigation within the design philosophy is to not target too large and complex an operation, increasing capital and operational risk during the early stages. It is considered more prudent to increase produc- tion from a stable economic base. The study only considers a sustainable base case. There are low cost opportunities to increase produc- tion in the future; however, these have not been considered at this time. Finally, the intent at Lindi is to fully out- source the construction and mine operations to specialist partner suppliers, which has the effect of reducing capital and fully aligning the various co-dependent working areas of the relatively small and uncomplicated, yet remote, operation. The concept for design is modular and, in respect of modular plant and fixtures, specific engineering and costs are detailed and gener- ally require very little, if any, modification. In the case of the largest and most critical engi- neered area, the process plant, the design to date includes ‘off-the-shelf’ mills, scrubbers, float cells, water and slurry pumps. Even the drying and bagging section is delivered com- plete and in one package. Walkabout Executive Director AllanMulligan commented: “We are delighted with the results of the DFS which demonstrate that the extraor- dinary Lindi Jumbo project continues to deliver compelling economics in spite of conservative sales assumptions. We have a high degree of confidence in the revised cost estimates which

A drill site at Lindi Jumbo. Walkabout took the project from discovery to the completion of an initial DFS in 16 months.

are derived from actual engineering drawings and negotiated contract prices. “This mine has been designed to withstand potential start-up and ongoing risks. It con- tinues to show outstanding economics with a payback period of less than two years. These factors make the project attractive to potential funding partners and investors.” 

This visual illustrates the progression of the pit by stages. It highlights the focus on the shallower, high grade material in the early years with the deepening of the pit taking place later in the life of mine.

March 2019  MODERN MINING  47