Walkabout Resources Ltd (ASX:WKT) has passed another key development milestone at the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania and wet commissioning of the crushing circuit is underway with the first feed of graphite ore through the entire crushing circuit.
As well as satisfying the necessary practical working of the entire circuit this step further de-risks the mine’s operational start-up with the creation of a fine ore stockpile of high-grade graphite ore for the wet commissioning of the remainder of the processing plant.
About 19,000 tonnes from the existing ore stockpile will be used for the commissioning process, which is sufficient for a full month’s production at nameplate capacity.
“A flying start”
Walkabout Resources managing director & CEO Andrew Cunningham said: "It is great to see the first feed of Lindi Jumbo Graphite ore and the first part of the plant operating as designed.
"Additionally, as the operations team starts to prepare for full production the fine ore stockpile will give them a flying start by de-risking the source of ore for the concentrator over the coming months."
First feed of graphite ore to the ROM bin.
Cash saving
Using the existing ore stockpile for commissioning and start-up has allowed Walkabout to push back the start of operational mining activities resulting in a real cash saving.
This is because the cost of the creation of the current high-grade ore stockpile has been incurred in the cost of mining competent rock for the building of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF).
Once operational mining commences there will be an orderly build-up of high-grade (>20% TGC) and medium-grade (>10% TGC) stockpiles on the RoM pad for optimal grade feed to the plant and the ramp-up to nameplate ore throughput and recoveries.
First graphite ore is fed over the vibrating grizzly.
Awaiting power equipment
The company will use the current on-site mobile generating capacity for wet commissioning of the crushing circuit while waiting for delivery of the MV and LV switchgear and transformers, which are delayed at the Dar es Salaam Port due to severe congestion.
Once receipt of the transformers, which are being offloaded at the port, and the switchgear that is en route to site has taken place, it is expected the full 5MW of grid power will become available to advance wet commissioning.
The full planned electrical capacity, including backup generators, is necessary before the commissioning team will feed ore through the entire processing circuit.
Dry commissioning progress
Dry commissioning has also started on equipment within the grinding and flotation circuit with these activities to continue in preparation for continuous feed through the entire processing circuit.
On December 28, Tanzania's Minister of Minerals Anthony Peter Mavunde and a delegation from the District Commissioners office, chief inspector of mines and a press delegation visited the site to witness the progress.
Feedback has been very positive and the visit was broadcast widely within the Tanzanian media.