RE: Cobalt too?19 Nov 2024 09:25
"the s l a g project in zambia consists of some 13 mt of historical **** from previous operations in the area, estimated to retain deposits of 0.7% copper and 0.27% cobalt. under the jv, jubilee and mopani have been appointed to design and operationalise the **** processing facility, with potential for the mandate of the agreement to also include oxide ore processing from artisanal mining operations and tailing dams.
coetzer emphasised the transparency of the bid award process, stating; “the **** project forms part of a greater waste recovery initiative in zambia that speaks to the president of zambia’s stated mission of achieving 3 mt of copper output per annum from zambia.”"
kitwe tailings 114mt (0.3% cu and 0.05% co) includes: td52 (0.7% cu and 0.08% co)
so the mufulira project is small but much higher in cobalt, probably not a high priority with cobalt prices in the doldrums and unlikely to recover soon. in the meantime, the cobalt circuit will be utilised for copper production anyway.
i don't know if anyone asked about plans for the tailings. i guess part of the problem is power. the reason they decided to focus on expanding the roan site was that they were unlikely to get stable power close to the planned locations for the tailings concentrators. maybe planning something similar to the hub concentrators which can run independent of mains power? they were also doing trails with draslovka so may be working on that in the background.