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KCM commissions new concentrator and completes development p
Windhoek, Namibia 04 August 2010 17:41
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), a subsidiary of London-listed Vedanta Resources, has commissioned a new concentrator, increasing its copper ore processing capacity to 6 million tpy.
One of Zambia’s largest copper mines, KCM has already started to deliver ore from its Konkola Deep Mine project (KDMP) to the newly-commissioned concentrator last week.
KDMP material will lift KCM copper cathode output to 500,000 tonnes in 2011, up from 300,000 tonnes.
First-phase expansion at KDMP has been completed with the launch of the mid-shaft rock handling, crushing, loading and hoisting facility.
The facility will add 3 million tonnes of ore hoisting capacity to the existing 2 million tonnes at KDMP.
“Phase-one completion is a very important milestone towards completion of this world class project [… Phase one] will allow the mine to access the ore reserves to a depth of 1,350 metres and increase the life of the mine to beyond 2030,” KCM said.
The company has now embarked on a second phase expansion project at KDMP.
Parent company Vedanta has invested $1.6 billion in new projects in Zambia, according to KDMP gm Raj Kulkarni.
“KCM has spent almost $1.6 billion in capital investment in its various projects, which include KDMP, the concentrator at Konkola, the new smelter at Chingola and other smaller projects,” Kulkarni said.
A backfill plant to classify the tailings from the concentrator for use in filling cavities made underground by ore extraction has also been completed, KCM added.
KCM also operates the Konkola copper and Nchanga open pit mines, a satellite Fitwaola mine and Nampundwe pyrite mine.
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