Overview
| Stage | Pre-Feasibility |
| Mine Type | Open Pit |
| Commodities |
|
| Mine Life | 15 years (as of Jan 1, 2019) |
Initial concept studies completed in 2020 to assess alternative mining methods.
Next phase for project would be to commence a PFS which would focus on, amongst other things, selecting the most suitable mining method and a development approach that delivers an appropriate risk-return profile. |
Source:
Sierra Rutile is a wholly owned subsidiary of Iluka Resources (Iluka). Sierra Rutile is a leading mineral sands company, operating world-class assets in Sierra Leone..
Summary:
The Sierra Leonean rutile mineralisation is hosted within alluvial and fluvial sedimentary facies of the Bullom Group Sediments. Mineralisation has been derived by the erosion of quartzo-feldspathic gneiss of the Precambrian Kasila group during the Tertiary and redeposited in preincised channel systems and alluvial fans flanking topographically elevated areas of the Kasila Group. The host sediments are typically poorly sorted sandy clay and sandy clays. Rubbly surficial laterite development is prevalent through much of the Bullom Group but does not hinder mining.
If the leading edge of the Sembehun group of deposits is considered as a single mineralised entity then the width of the mineralisation is over 5000m. The deposits length varies from about 1000m to over 6000m. The deposits vary significantly in size from a few mt to over 150mt. In general the mineralisation is present from surface.
Summary:
Mining Method: engaging vendors and consultants to test alternative mining techniques used elsewhere in Africa.
Summary:
Concentrating: revisiting where and how the concentrating of the ROM ore will occur.
Recoveries & Grades:
| Commodity | Parameter | Avg. LOM |
|
Rutile
|
Head Grade, %
| 1.19 |
Projected Production:
| Commodity | Units | Avg. Annual |
|
Rutile
|
t
| 71,000 |
All production numbers are expressed as mineral in concentrate.
Operational Metrics:
| Metrics | |
|
Annual mining rate
| 7.4 Mt of ore * |
* According to 2016 study.
Reserves at December 31, 2019:
| Category | Tonnage | Commodity | Grade | Contained Metal |
|
Probable
|
216 Mt
|
Rutile
|
1.36 %
|
2.94 Mt
|
|
Total Resource
|
402 Mt
|
Rutile
|
1.14 %
|
4.6 Mt
|
|
Total Resource
|
402 Mt
|
Ilmenite
|
1.2 %
|
|
|
Total Resource
|
402 Mt
|
Zircon
|
0.1 %
|
|
Commodity Production Costs:
| | Commodity | Units | Average |
|
Cash costs
|
Rutile
|
USD
|
343 / t *
|
* According to 2016 study / presentation.
2016 Study Costs and Valuation Metrics :
| Metrics | Units | LOM Total |
|
Initial CapEx
|
$M USD
|
...... 
|
|
After-tax NPV @ 10%
|
$M USD
|
......
|
|
After-tax IRR, %
|
|
......
|
|
After-tax payback period, years
|
|
......
|
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