Walkabout Resources Ltd (ASX:WKT) says it has made considerable progress with the construction and commissioning phases of its Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania.
Following the successful initial feed of graphite ore through the crushing circuit in early January, the company is now poised to commence the next stage of wet commissioning.
This phase includes the first ore feed through the entire processing circuit, which should happen in the coming month.
Key developments include:
- arrival of all critical equipment necessary for the final stages of installation;
- wet commissioning and the first ore feed through the entire processing circuit scheduled for the next month;
- connection of the power control centre (PCC) to grid power, facilitating the completion of dry commissioning across all circuits;
- completion of hiring and induction for the majority of leadership and support teams; and
- finalisation of important support contracts and readiness of support facilities, including the camp, for the first production phase.
Shipping and installation updates
Despite ongoing port congestion at Dar es Salaam affecting discharge schedules, essential mechanical and electrical equipment required for wet commissioning has arrived onsite.
Backup generators and larger orders of consumables are still in transit but expected to arrive in March.
The company has prepared for potential further delays by securing mobile generating capacity to ensure continued testing and commissioning activities with minimal risk.
Construction and commissioning of plant
The company says recent receipt of critical plant equipment will enable it to complete minor construction and installation works alongside commissioning activities.
This includes installation of a burner, mechanical, electrical and control equipment, as well as instrumentation cables.
Burner system installation and connection.
With grid power now available to the Lindi Jumbo switch yard and the PCC connected, the company is set to complete dry commissioning of all circuits, paving the way for wet commissioning and the inaugural ore run through the plant.
Managing director and CEO Andrew Cunningham said: “As we pioneer the start-up of a new graphite mining operation in Tanzania, I am proud of how our team and contractors have navigated the construction process as we transition to full operational readiness.
"To date the commissioning of the completed processing circuits has gone to plan and I am confident that we are on track to start feeding high-grade graphite ore through the entire circuit within the next month.
“Undeterred by continued logistical challenges posed by the ongoing and significant shipping delays, the mine is meeting scheduled development milestones, and ticking the boxes required to achieve safety and operative compliance.
“Once commissioning activities are finalised, the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine will officially become the first modern, large-scale graphite mine in Tanzania, as well as the first critical minerals asset in the country to go into full production.”
Main image: Aerial view, with the camp in the foreground and the processing plant, TSF and mining area in the background.
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