African Mining January 2022 | Page 11

PROJECTS AND EXPLORATION •

• Location : Eswatini

• Phase : Exploration

• Resource : Coal

Lurco Coal Eswatini ( a subsidiary of Magni Investment Holdings [ MiH ]), has been granted a prospecting licence for coal resources at Mpaka Coal Mine in the Lubombo Region , of Eswatini .

Ellington Nxumalo , co-founder of MiH , met with Eswatini Mining Commissioner , Robert Biyela late last year to ink the agreement . MiH expects the timeline from this phase through construction to implementation to take between 24 to 36 months .

Mpaka Coal Mine was last operated in 1992 , having been mothballed after the previous owner exiting the Eswatini market . The nature of the coal is suitable for smelters , steel and cement industries and will bolster the country ’ s participation in the export market and create employment opportunities particularly for the youth .

“ As custodians of the mineral resources of the Kingdome of Eswatini , our ministry works to facilitate the creation of prosperity for all stakeholders through the promotion of the sustainable development and responsible exploitation of our country ’ s mineral wealth . With our economic growth plan , we are delighted to be partnering with an experienced resources sector player like MiH to optimise the mine and reignite opportunities for the local community and the wider Eswatini economy ,” says Senator Peter Bhembe , Minister of Natural Resources and Energy says

• Location : Burkina Faso

• Phase : Production

• Resource : Gold

Late last year gold production at ASX-listed West African Resources ’ Sanbrado mine in Burkina Faso increased with 29 % to 81960 ounces of gold produced in the September 2021 quarter . The 2021 gold production exceeded the upper end guidance of 280,000 ounces of gold . Last year there the mine reported no significant social , health or safety incidents with 8.7 million hours worked Loss time Injury ( LTI ) free .

Underground production from M1 South decreased marginally in the September quarter with 87kt mined at 10.0g / t for 28,060 ounces of gold . Open-pit production increased 72 % with 1,090kt mined at 1.9g / t for 68,300 ounces of gold , largely driven by grade from M1 South , compared to the June quarter 2021 .

Gold production increased 29 % over the June quarter with a record 81,960 ounces of gold produced in the September quarter from of 834kt of ore milled at a head grade of 3.2 g / t at a recovery of 95 %.

“ Once up and running , we intend for Mpaka Coal Mine to contribute significantly to the local economy through employment , skills development and the creation of sustainable local value chains . We are currently in the exploration and feasibility stage , which is critical to scoping the scale of the operation . Once completed we will be in a better position to quantify our local impact commitments . However , as MiH , we anticipate that most roles will be sourced from local hires , and wherever possible , this will include those requiring special skills . Over time , we also plan for a community bursary scheme to ensure that local community members interested in mine-specific training and development can have the opportunity to follow their dreams ,” says Ellington Nxumalo , co-founder of MiH .

• Location : Ghana

• Phase : Producing

• Resource : Gold

Canadian company Golden Star has concluded negotiations with Future Global Resources Limited ( FGR ) to restructure the consideration for the purchase of the Bogoso-Prestea mine that was completed on 30 September 2020 .