Base Resources transfers operations to new orebody at Kwale

Base Resources has completed the transition of mining operations to the South Dune orebody at its Kwale Operations in Kenya, it announced on Tuesday.

The AIM-traded firm said that, following a successful and on-schedule transition, mining rates were now back to nameplate capacity, with all three hydraulic mining units fully operational.

It said the Kwale Operations mineral separation plant operated on stockpiled heavy mineral concentrate throughout the transition period, to ensure uninterrupted production.

Preparations for the transition to the South Dune primarily involved the installation of 7,400 metres of slurry and water piping, an 8,500 metre 11kV power line, a bridge across the Mukurumudzi Dam spillway, a 1.25MW slurry booster pump and a 1MW process water booster pump.

The transition of mining operations from the fully-depleted Central Dune orebody to the South Dune orebody took place over a fortnight, the board said, and involved moving the hydraulic mining units and the commissioning of the new pumps, pipes and power supply.

“We have been planning for this transition of mining for over 12 months, and it is a testament to the professionalism of the team that the move was completed on schedule and without incident,” said Base Resources executive director of operations and development, Colin Bwye.