Maravi

Equinox Minerals records rise in production

Equinox Minerals records rise in production
Written by Nchima Nchito Jr
Thursday, October 08, 2009 4:41:14 PM

EQUINOX Minerals has recorded copper production of 28,111 tonnes during the third quarter at its flagship mine Lumwana, according to preliminary output figures.

The performance was an improvement on both the first (22,263 tonnes) and second (24,413 tonnes) quarters of 2009, after the company improved mine truck and shovel productivity and increased its equipment fleet. According to Mining Weekly, Equinox described this as a good development for the mine.

“We continue to ramp up, predominantly focusing on improving material movement as our large Lumwana copper process plant has already demonstrated capacity to operate at and above design throughput levels,” Equinox chief executive Craig Williams said.

The firm said it had stepped up its measures in preparation for the west season, following its experiences last year.

Diversion channels to control surface water ingress into the pit have been constructed, substantial sumps excavated for the collection of in-pit water and pumping capacity has been doubled since 2008.

All main ramps and roads have been also sheeted and surfaced with bitumen emulsion to improve road conditions, particularly during wet periods, Equinox said.

“Management believes that based on the work underway in preparation for the forthcoming wet season, a continuing focus on mining fleet productivity, the commissioning of further trolley-assist infrastructure to help improve truck cycle times and the increasing exposure of new sulphide ore zones, that the fourth quarter of 2009, subject to wet season conditions, should demonstrate additional improvement on quarterly production to date,” stated Equinox.

Full-year output is now forecast at about 110,000 tonnes of copper, which is at the bottom end of the range provided in August.

Labels: COPPER, EQUINOX

posted by MrK @ 3:42 PM