Bougouni to cost $83m

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – A scoping study on the Bougouni lithium project, in Mali, has estimated that the project will require a capital investment of $83.4-million for a two-staged development, with the mine life estimated at 13 years.

The initial estimated start-up capital is $47.2-million. The Stage 1 operation will involve a one-million-tonne-a-year high-grade openpit mine, which will supply material to a conventional dense media separation (DMS) plant.

Scope has also been defined to transition the processing plant to treat medium-grained material by DMS and flotation in later years as a Stage 2 development.

“The results of the scoping study confirm the outstanding potential of our Bougouni lithium project. This is one of the highest grade hard rock lithium projects globally and we continue to focus on expediting development of this project, and capitalise on the robust demand for high-grade spodumene concentrate as key inputs for the expanding lithium battery and electric vehicle markets,” said Birimian MD Kevin Joyce.

He noted that the company was nearing completion of a drilling programme to upgrade and increase resources at the Goulamina deposit, while advanced metallurgical testwork was under way with final results expected in the first quarter of 2017.

“On the back of these positive scoping study results, we have commenced the prefeasibility study for the project, which we anticipate completing in the June 2017 quarter, alongside our maiden reserve statement,” Joyce said.

In the meantime, Birimian will be accelerating its search for staff with the requisite industry experience and background to bring the project on stream.

Birimian recently terminated a A$107.5-million agreement with Shandong Mingrui Chemical Group for its Bougouni project, after the Chinese company failed to make initial payments.