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Kalaa Mpinga

Business Reporter
A refurbishment exercise at gold and nickel producer Mwana Africa’s plants has started paying dividends with the Pan-African firm registering improved output in the last few months.
Mwana Africa chief executive officer Kalaa Mpinga recently reported the company was on the rebound with its Freda Rebecca Mine producing 11,314 ounces of gold between July and August this year.

“The company has produced 11,314 ounces in July and August and forecast production of over 5,000 ounces during September, which is based on improved mill throughput, availability and feed grade, all of which are sustainable,” he said.

Mpinga said Freda Rebecca was now focused on improving mining and processing efficiencies through plant modifications.
He said in July and August the cost of production averaged $854 per ounce against an average of $1,078 per ounce in the June quarter, representing a 21 percent decline in costs on a quarterly basis.

“The company is pleased to report that all of the updates and adjustments to the mine’s production facilities have been completed and that Freda Rebecca’s sole focus now is maintaining current cost levels and continue to monitor the efficiencies from the recent improvements,” he said.

Last year, Freda Rebecca reported output of 17,536 ounces in the third quarter ending September 30, 2013.
On Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC), he said production at the Trojan Mine was steadily increasing to its optimal sustainable level.

Between July and August, he said, the mine milled 106,408 tonnes of ore to produce 1,296 tonnes of nickel concentrate.
Cash costs averaged $13,700 per tonne during the first two months while all-in sustaining costs averaged $14,300 per tonne over the same period.

“Our focus remains on optimising current operations at the Trojan Mine while continuing to evaluate options for bringing the smelter operations back into production,” said Mpinga.
“Initial refurbishment work has already commenced and advanced discussions by BNC regarding its project funding options for the re-start are ongoing.”

Mpinga said Mwana Africa was negotiating with banks to secure $13 million to fund part of the restart programme of its smelter.