Administrateur du site
Messages: 4394
Inscription: Jeu 30 Juil 2009 16:48
Localisation: la seyne sur mer
First Quantum sees longer Kansanshi copper minelife
Wed Mar 31, 2010 8:46am GMT
LUSAKA, March 31 (Reuters) - Canada's First Quantum Minerals (FM.TO: Quote) expects mining at its Kansanshi copper and gold mine in Zambia to continue for the next 20 years following a recent study that revealed higher ore grades and additional resources.
Recent investigations at Kansanshi, one of Africa's largest copper mines, verified by independent mining experts showed an increase of 50 percent in the contained copper and 18 percent in the measured and indicated resources, the company said in a statement seen by Reuters.
In an estimate of resources and reserves by Dec. 31, 2009, the firm said the significantly increased proved and probable mineral reserves could support a mine life of approximately 13 years at a through-put rate of 24 million tonnes of copper ore per year.
"The mine life increases to 20 years when the inferred mineral reserve is considered," the statement said.
First Quantum plans to develop Kansanshi in two phases, with the first 16-year phase targeting the exploitation of proven and probable mining reserves, according to the Kansanshi website.
Copper production at Kansanshi rose to nearly 245,000 tonnes last year, from 215,314 tonnes in 2008.
The mine produced nearly 100,000 ounces of gold last year. (Reporting By Chris Mfula; Editing by Amanda Cooper)