Lonmin begins Bulk Tailings Treatment project

Lonmin has secured US$50 million of funding for the Bulk Tailings Treatment (BTT) project through a specific project finance metal streaming arrangement. The first tranche of $9 million has now been received and work has already started on the project
Lonmin begins Bulk Tailings Treatment project Lonmin begins Bulk Tailings Treatment project Lonmin begins Bulk Tailings Treatment project Lonmin begins Bulk Tailings Treatment project Lonmin begins Bulk Tailings Treatment project

The project involves reprocessing 26Mt of tailings material

staff reporter

The BTT project involves the re-mining of Lonmin’s Easterns Tailings Dam in South Africa, including the reprocessing of 26Mt of tailings material at a rate of 300,000t/mth. Commissioning and ramp up to full production is expected during the 2018 financial year.

Once at steady-state, the project is expected to produce about 29,000oz/y of platinum or some 55,000oz of platinum group metals at a yield of 0.5g/t.

The project is part of Lonmin’s business plan and is expected to produce the lowest cost ounces in the Lonmin portfolio.