Anglo Asian Mining invests in processing capacity at Gedabek, Demirli operations
Anglo Asian Mining plc has announced what it says are significant upgrades to its processing plants at both its Gedabek and Demirli operations, in Azerbaijan.
The Gedabek flotation plant upgrade is on course to be completed by the end of April. The nine newly-installed, high-efficiency Imhoflot pneumatic flotation cells from Maelgwyn are designed to deliver rapid mineral recovery from higher grade ores. The cells are capable of processing the higher-grade ore from the Gilar mine and are expected to improve gold and copper recoveries over those obtained by conventional flotation, Anglo Asian says, explaining that they will thus enhance the company’s ability to process higher grade ore from the Gilar mine and add to the versatility of the Gedabek flotation plant.
The upgrade was carried out for acost of approximately $1.8 million and will deliver meaningful margin enhancement and improved profitability of the company over the long term, it added.
Gedabek’s broader processing capabilities have also been upgraded, including the addition of an Energy Efficient Pulp Lifter (EEPL) system to increase milling productivity, an industrial shredder and a new licensed maintenance program. Further works are also planned at Gedabek’s tailings facilities, to include the installation of a fibre optic tailings dam embankment monitoring system.
At Demirli, both the SAG mill and ball mill are now operational as a replacement gear box shaft for the ball mill was installed during the March quarter and is, the company says, performing well. Leach tests with a bio-heap leach column at Demirli are also underway and are delivering encouraging results, with up to 78% copper recoveries. This indicates strong potential for the future implementation of bio-heap leaching production which continues to be subject to further evaluation.
The group also continues to progress its feasibility studies for the Xarxar and Garadag mines and expects to appoint consultants in the coming weeks. Pilot mining studies are underway at Garadag, with independent third parties assessing the geological and metallurgical considerations to ensure the most effective development of the mine. Planning is ongoing to test the Xarxar ores for copper bio-heap leach processing.
Stephen Westhead, Vice President of Anglo Asian Mining, said: “I am pleased to announce these significant investments into our processing operations across our Gedabek and Demirli operations. Investing in our processing capacity is particularly important as we seek to maximise returns from expected increased production volumes in the years ahead while executing our growth strategy. We also continue to make encouraging progress at our future Xarxar and Garadag projects, both representing important assets for Anglo Asian in the years ahead.”
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