BINDURA Nickel Corporation’s Freda Rebecca recorded marginal increase in output to 13 503 ounces for the quarter ended June 2014.
VICTORIA MTOMBA BUSINESS REPORTER
In the same period last year output was 13 380 ounces.
The increase in output reflected an 8% rise in head grade as a result of improvements in main production feed grade, parent company Mwana Africa said yesterday.
“Recovery 6,2% lower at 76,8% (Q4 2014, 83,0%) due to temporary power supply failures at two absorption tanks,” the group said.
Mwana Africa chief executive officer Kalaa Mpinga said the increase in head grade at Freda Rebecca would be sustained. He said commissioning was continuing as the mine tailings retreatment project.
Cash costs were up 2% to $1,078 per ounce compared to $1 053 per ounce in the fourth quarter of 2014.
During the quarter under review, average gold prices increased slightly to $1 310 per ounce from $1 302 per ounce during quarter four of 2014.
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Trojan Nickel Mine’s nickel in concentrate production was 14% lower at 1 902 tonnes as underground mobile equipment was taken out of commission for refurbishment and due to mining of lower grade areas. Nickel sales were 17% lower at 1,871 tonnes.
Mpinga said the quarter was mixed as various modifications intended to improve efficiency at Freda Rebecca and Trojan Nickel mines were undertaken.
“Modifications to improve the efficiency of the mills were undertaken at Freda Rebecca resulting in low mill availability whilst at Trojan Nickel, mobile equipment was taken out of commission for refurbishing, impacting production. All the work undertaken was necessary as part of the equipment rebuild to pave the way for ramping up in Q2 at Trojan Nickel and improved mill efficiency at Freda Rebecca which puts both mines in a stronger position for Q2,” he said.
Trojan resumed operations last year after it has been under care and maintenance since 2008. The revival of the mine has helped the company to perform well on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. The mining index this year has been on a recovery path due to the recovery of Bindura Nickel Corporation.
