Gippsland Limited has re-worked previous studies for the Abu Dabbab tantalum-tin project in Egypt based on a larger scale of operations than previously anticipated. The company now expects to mine 3 million tonnes of ore annually, 50% more than originally planned, which is expected to yield some 2,300 tpy of tin metal from an associated integrated smelter as well as 927,000 pounds of tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) as slag. A mine life of 13.8 years is expected.
Due to the significantly increased commodity prices for both tantalite and tin, the 3 Mtpa pit is expected to be 95 metres deeper than the older 2 Mtpa pit, and to be 330 metres from the highest point on the pit rim to the final pit base. Based on the revised pit design, proven and probable reserves are now stated at 41.4 Mt grading 0.0244% Ta2O5 and 0.113% Sn. Estimated life-of-mine tin production is some 32,200 tonnes.
In addition to the planned open pit, Gippsland has also been carrying out trial alluvial mining of tin at Abu Dabbab since March. Meanwhile it has announced plans to spin off its other tin interest – a 40% stake in the Heemskirk project with Stellar resources in Tasmania.
