Several companies have recently released statements about the progress of mine projects that should add to tin production in coming years, including two large multi-metal projects in Egypt and Argentina. Meanwhile a host of Australian juniors continue to report on a range of activities in Queensland, Tasmania and overseas.
Gippsland Ltd today announced changes to the design and location of the processing plant at the Abu Dabbab tantalum-tin project in Egypt which will cut capital and operating costs. The mine is expected to produce some 1,500 tpy of tin over a 20 year life, and is due to start up in 2011. Jack Telford, Executive Chairman of Gippsland commented, “Our engineers have been working hard on optimising the process flow and we are very pleased to announce this significant enhancement to the project which will reduce costs as well as improve time efficiency.”
Silver Standard Resources has substantially increased its proven and probable reserves of silver, tin and zinc at the Pirquitas project in Argentina, increasing projected mine life to 14.5 years. Tin reserves have grown 41% to some 72,000 tonnes. Proven reserves in the pit portion of the property amount to 10.7Mt grading 195g/t silver, 0.26% tin and 0.70% zinc, while probable reserves total 19.3Mt grading 202g/t silver, 0.20% tin and 0.90% zinc. Tailings from prior mining operations were also included in the estimate and contribute 400,000t grading 234g/t silver, 0.37% tin and 0.13% zinc. In a statement the company confirmed that Pirquitas is on schedule to start commissioning in the fourth quarter of this year.
In Australia ASX-listed Republic Gold has announced a venture to consolidate a number of small scale alluvial tin deposits in the Queensland Tableland. Republic MD John Kelly told the Cairns Post that there were up to 20 small tin mining operations on the Tableland which could be profitable ventures on a consolidated basis. Republic is to commit A$1.5 million to a joint venture with Staldor Mining to explore and develop two projects. Staldor believes the Kangaroo Creek Tin Mine – where attention will be focused initially – has potential for 5.5 million cubic metres of tin bearing alluvial material, and the Dickson Creek tin prospect has potential for 4.4 million cubic metres.
