Evolution Energy Minerals Ltd (ASX:EV1) is making modifications to the infrastructure of the Chilalo Graphite Project in southeast Tanzania to better manage the disposal of leftover materials from the processing of mined ore and simultanously improve the project’s economics.
Consequently, the company expects to release the updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) and front-end engineering design (FEED) for Chilalo in early 2023.
Revised layout
Studies conducted by Evolution to assess the dry stacking of tailings, as opposed to conventional disposal using a standard tailings storage facility (TSF)), confirmed that the Chilalo tailings could be filtered and centrifuged into a low moisture ‘cake’ to be stored safely with other mine waste.
Accordingly, it decided to remove the TSF to pursue a strategy of dry stacking of tailings as this will eliminate a significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risk as well as improve the project’s economics as associated earthworks and capital expenditure for additional lifts to the TSF will not be needed.
Positioned for funding
“Whilst we originally envisaged releasing the updated DFS and FEED before the end of the calendar year, the additional studies and redesign to accommodate the dry stacking of tailings has pushed the timing to early 2023,” Evolution’s managing director Phil Hoskins said.
“As well as believing the delay will not impact the development timetable, we are also confident that the project enhancements being incorporated will improve the economics and therefore, the attractiveness to financiers,” he added.
Turning to its negotiations with the Government of Tanzania (GOT) regarding the terms of a framework agreement, Evolution said the discussions have concluded and the company is now awaiting instructions regarding the protocols and timing for execution of the agreement.