Modern Mining September 2021

MINING News

ALROSA signs MoU with DRC diamond mining company

have noted that the signing of the MoU will mark a new stage in the development of the diamond mining industry in the DRC. Kacy Grine, advisor to the DRC govern- ment in this partnership, comments: “The strategic partnership between ALROSA and MIBA will create significant value for the Congolese mining industry, its econ- omy and its people. This partnership will also strengthen the relationship between Russia and the DRC and pave the way for further cooperation between the two countries. The recent economic and social reforms envisioned by President Tshisekedi should provide enough reassurance for for- eign investors to participate in DRC’s efforts to diversify and transform its economy”. Vladimir Marchenko, deputy CEO at ALROSA, says: “The diamond mining sec- tor continues to play an important role for both Russia and the DRC. This means that it not only impacts their position on the global stage, but that it also helps money flows into the budgets and also creates jobs for the local communities, dozens of social projects as well as opportunities for local suppliers. We welcome the signing of the MoU with the DRC’s leading company and are pleased to officially seal our joint ambition to develop our joint initiatives. We express our willingness to share our prac- tical experience as well as technical and professional resources with our colleagues at MIBA for a dynamic and efficient imple- mentation of future projects in diamond mining.”  The lower QoQ plant feed grade was countered, to a large extent, by a 10,2% improvement in overall tin recovery. Q2 of FY2022 displayed a 65% recovery, well above the design target of 60% recovery. The company announced on June 14, 2021 that the directors approved a Definitive Feasibility Study for the expansion of the Uis Phase 1 processing plant through a modu- lar addition to the current plant, projected to increase tin concentrate production by 67%. The project has commenced with the placing of orders for long lead items, the appointment of a project implementation team, and establishment of infrastructure to facilitate procurement and fabrication. AfriTin expects to provide a detailed project progress update in a few weeks’ time. 

ALROSA, the world’s largest diamond mining company by carat, and Bakwanga (MIBA), a leading diamond mining com- pany in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to increase busi- ness, technological, scientific and technical cooperation. The MoU was signed remotely by Vladimir Marchenko, deputy general director – head of the African Division of ALROSA, and Polen Lukusa Mudiayi Kalondji, MIBA’s MD. The signing took place in the presence of Alexi Kayemba de Bampende, adviser to the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and representatives from ALROSA. Both parties expressed their hope for continued and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The MoU defines areas of mutual inter- est and the potential for cooperation in the diamond mining industry. In particular, the document describes opportunities for the companies to work together to explore, mine and process diamonds in accor- dance with the global best practices for responsible business conduct, sustainable development and transparency. The par- ties also intend to exchange technologies and knowledge to ensure the sustain- able development of the diamond mining industry. Under the MoU, the companies will cooperate in l ine wi th internat ional mechanisms of industry self-regulation and international standards for respon- sible diamond supply chain engineering. Representatives from ALROSA and MIBA

The MoU defines areas of mutual interest and the potential for cooperation in the diamond mining industry.

Uis Tin Mine exceeds production targets for the third consecutive quarter AfriTin Mining Limited (AIM: ATM), an African tin mining company with its flagship asset, the Uis Tin Mine in Namibia, reports that tin concentrate production for Q2 2021 totalled 185 t, exceeding the target of 180 t for the third consecutive quarter. for the third consecutive quarter. During the quarter we commenced the early implemen- tation work and long lead item ordering for the Uis expansion programme which will see the processing plant produce 67% more tin concentrate,” says CEO Anthony Viljoen. Increased processing plant throughput of 127 263 t of ore for Q2 was obtained by improvements in plant availability, utilisa- tion and processing rate, resulting in a QoQ throughput increase of 9,9%. “We are pleased to release our Q2 num- bers from our flagship Uis Tin Mine which has exceeded production targets and nameplate

The feed grade for Q2 of FY2022 was lower than the preceding quarter due to natural grade variations in the mining area. However, the feed grade is still in line with the Company’s mine plan estimates and the average projected life-of-mine feed grade of 0,138% Sn.

Tin concentrate production for Q2 2021 totalled 185 t.

6  MODERN MINING  September 2021