Syrah Resources reports its Balama graphite project in Mozambique is 98% complete with remaining works for completion relating to electrical installations.

Syrah Resources says structural, mechanical and piping (SMP) and electrical and instrumental (E&I) contractor productivity improved through measures introduced after July 2017, with SMP now materially complete.

Syrah Resources continues to maintain additional supervision and resourcing to finalise E&I delivery.

However, two planned electrical completion delivery dates were missed as of 15 October.

Construction verification and vendor commissioning support is increasing momentum across the remaining areas of
the plant.

Construction completion and commissioning are being progressed concurrently.

The Chipembe Dam pipeline is 86% complete and will be available ahead of requirements given water availability from the onsite water storage dams.

Commissioning

The commissioning sequence is prioritised for initial production of coarse flake.

In September, Syrah Resources achieved first ore through the primary crushing circuit, and so far in October full commissioning of the combined crusher, primary mill, scrubber, classification, thickener and tails disposal to the tailings storage facility has been achieved, representing half of required flake circuit commissioning.

Plant power, air, water and control room systems are fully operational.

Flotation commissioning will commence shortly, to be followed by filtration, drying and bagging.

The electrical completion delay has necessitated a change to production of first saleable flake product.

Schedule

Production of intermediate concentrate (combined flake and fines) is expected in late October, with first production of saleable flake product expected during the second half of November 2017. Source: Mining Review