Mining company Kenmare Resources has started the commissioning process of its Wet Concentrator Plant A(WCP A), after completing a major upgrade aimed at exploiting the extensive Nataka ore zone in northern Mozambique.
The wet concentrator plant A and the required equipment
Since October 2, the two new dredges and the feed preparation unit have been operational and integrated into WCP A. This equipment will allow for better handling of the high sludge levels characteristic of Nataka, optimizing the rate of extraction rate of heavy minerals such as titanium and zirconium such as titanium and zircon. According to operations manager Ben Baxter, the progressive ramp-up of production will continue during the fourth quarter, with a view to reaching design capacity by the end of the year.
The Nataka mine represents about 70% of the mineral resources of the Moma project operated by Kenmare in Mozambique. This area requires an infrastructure adapted to more complex conditions compared to Namalope, where WCP A currently operates. The new technical configuration includes a face delamination circuit and specialized technology to maximize recovery and process stability.
The plant is designed to reach a processing capacity of 3500 tons per hour by the end of 2025. Kenmare anticipates that the physical transition of WCP A from Namalope to Nataka will commence in the second quarter of 2026 and extend over a period of 18 months. In the meantime, operation will continue without significant interruptions.
The total budget for the upgrade of WCP A and associated infrastructure at Nataka remains at US$341 million. The facility also includes a new tailings storage plant, ensuring the safe handling of mine waste at this new stage of the project.
Kenmare will communicate its third quarter production update on October 15, where greater visibility is expected on the initial performance of the upgraded plant and the projected impact on offtake volumes for 2025 and beyond.
Source and photo: Kenmare Resources
