Also, the company reported a 57% increase in the amount of copper concentrate produced and a 51% rise in zinc concentrate grade, whose production started in the second half of 2016.
The operational focus during the period has been on deploying remedial capital expenditure to resolve persistent mining and production issues experienced at Manaila to increase the flows and measurement of ore fed into the mill. This work has delivered a significant improvement in Manaila’s production profile in the second quarter of 2017.
The refurbishment of the Manaila milling and flotation circuits has been largely completed to allow for 15,000 tons per month (tpm) to be processed and a tertiary crusher has been ordered and pending delivery will allow for the crushing circuit to comfortably provide sufficient mill feed tonnage at the correct particle size. The company’s objective is to achieve a consistent run rate of 15,000tpm by September 2017.
The gravity line was commissioned during April-June period to recover a pyrite concentrate which has gold and silver associated with it. The gravity line is producing the expected concentrate grade but has yet been unable to deliver the expected mass on a consistent basis. Work is ongoing at the open pit and the plant to understand the effects of the various ore types on the gravity line recovery. Zinc is being produced at grades which are attracting increased unit sales prices and the quantities produced are steadily increasing.
“Manaila has delivered a significant improvement in performance compared to the previous quarter, and this upturn in operations is anticipated to continue throughout Q3 2017 demonstrating a clear upward trajectory in our production profile. This improvement has been delivered through our Romanian operational team’s efficient and effective attention to remedial actions undertaken during Q1 and Q2 2017 to resolve persistent open-pit and production issues, and will support the delivery of a consistent 15,000 tonnes per month mill feed from September,” said Vast Resources Chief Executive Officer Roy Pitchford.
“We remain confident that the underlying quality and value prospects of our mines in both Zimbabwe and Romania are excellent and expect production rates to be further enhanced going forward,” Pitchford also said.
Vast Resources was founded in late 2005 and its core activity consists of exploration of mineral deposits in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Vast Resources has been operating in Romania since May 2013.