Modern Mining October 2018

MINING News

of extensive historical working supports the nature of these kimberlites as being diamondiferous. Detailed ground geophysics followed which produced minimum sizes for the two clusters of eight kimberlite pipes of between 0,3 and 1,15 ha. Mineral chemistry work was then undertaken to rank the kimberlites from the perspective of diamond-bearing potential. The analyses of 3 100 gar- nets and spinels at the University of Johannesburg indicate high abundances of diamond inclusion type chemical com- positions, thereby rating these kimberlites as being of high interest in terms of dia- mond-bearing potential. The mineral chemistry result supports the conclusions from the previous whole rock geochemistry and from the geo- physics in addition to field observations. Botswana Diamonds believes it justifies moving to a phased drilling programme. Further announcements regarding the timing of the drilling programme will be made in due course. 

Thor lines up NORINCO for Segilola gold project Thor Explorations, listed on the TSX-V, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NORINCO International Cooperation Ltd to enter into an EPC contract on a comprehensive lump sum turnkey basis (LSTK) to build the required plant and associated infrastructure for the company’s Segilola gold project in Nigeria.

The company expects to complete the DFS in Q4 2018, which will be supported by the EPC turnkey contract. The final terms of the contract are to be negotiated following the completion of the DFS. “We have been wor k ing with NORINCO International for the past year and there is an excellent level of coop- eration and understanding between Thor and NORINCO International,” com- ments Segun Lawson, President and CEO of Thor. “NORINCO International have provided a competitive EPC proposal priced on the Preliminary Feasibility Study design, which provides confidence that the project can be delivered on time and on budget by a well-established EPC contractor. The MOU offers a clear path to Thor achieving gold production at Segilola in 2020.” NORINCO International Cooperation is an incorporated company affiliated to China North Industries Corporation. It is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. 

The scope of the EPC turnkey contract covers the design, engineering, procure- ment, site preparation, construction, commissioning, performance testing and hand-over of the project and its associ- ated infrastructure. Thor is currently undertaking a Defini­ tive Feasibility Study (DFS) on Segilola. It is being prepared through the col- laboration of a number of specialist consulting firms including Roscoe Postle Associates Inc, GR Engineering Services Limited, NORINCO International, Auralia Mining Consulting and Knight Piesold Consulting.