BlackEarth Minerals NL has processed 60 tonnes of graphite material as part of a Stage 2 Pilot Program at the Maniry Project in Southern Madagascar.
According to the company, test results have indicated that the designed flowsheet can achieve an average fixed carbon (FC) level of 96.5 per cent for all large and jumbo flake product testing, grades which are currently attracting significant price premiums in the graphite market.
Over the next two weeks, BlackEarth plans to dry and screen the final concentrate prior to packaging samples for further downstream test work associated with the company’s strategic offtake plans.
BlackEarth will also ship large samples of tailings to global tailings management specialists as part of its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) activities and Project environmental permitting requirements.
A final metallurgical report containing critical data for the DFS is expected to be received over the next five to seven weeks.
BlackEarth has appointed Mr Mick Ryan as Project Manager for the finalisation of the DFS, who will also lead the potential construction of the project in Madagascar.
Well suited to BlackEarth’s current needs, Mr Ryan’s experience includes the coordination of multi-discipline project teams from DFS stage through to project commissioning on projects which include the 1Moz+ Wa Gold Project in Ghana, the complex Syama Project located in Mali as well as the nickel, cobalt scandium Syerston Project in Australia and Ambatovy Nickel Project in Madagascar.
BlackEarth’s Managing Director, Tom Revy, said the appointment of Mick Ryan is an important step towards the development of the Maniry Graphite Project.
“Mick will oversee the DFS from here and ensure that we ultimately implement a ‘fit for purpose’ project.”
“He is currently holding technical discussions with those involved in the pilot plant work and other DFS activities. On completion of this review, a third-party engineering company will be engaged to compile the work completed to date, undertake the engineering work and finally derive capital and operating cost estimates to +/- 15 per cent.”