Wanetsha Mosinyi
4 September 2008
BSE-listed Discovery Metals has announced key appointments of groups that will assist in completing the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) for the Boseto Copper Project and has received the terms of reference for the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the project.
The appointments of the Resource Consultant and Engineering Partner follow a competitive tender process with submissions received from a field of international companies, the company said in a BSE posted statement.
Internationally recognised Snowden Mining Industry Consultants (Snowden) has been appointed to undertake resource modelling, geotechnical and mining engineering components of the project.
"Snowden is very familiar with the Boseto Copper Project, having completed the initial resource modelling work and provided the independent review of the project's Pre- Feasibility Study," the statement said.
Meanwhile, GRD Minproc has been engaged to undertake the engineering package for the Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS). GRD Minproc has extensive and relevant experience in the design and construction of similar-sized copper plants, as well as recent experience in copper feasibility studies. They have relevant development experience in sub-Saharan Africa.
Discovery, which is also listed on the Australian and AIM bourses, said both GRD Minproc and Snowden would support the BFS through staff based in both Australia and southern Africa. The appointment of both firms continues Discovery Metals' approach to appointing high calibre groups to augment the fast tracking of the development of the Boseto Copper Project.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Boseto Copper Project commenced in the first half of 2008. As part of the process, Discovery Metals was required to formally agree Terms of Reference with the Department of Environmental Affairs. "This step has now been completed," the statement said.
The EIA is being progressed by a team of consultants from Botswana and South Africa under the direction of SRK Consultants.
"I am confident that the groups who will support us in completing the BFS will deliver outcomes that are robust and optimised," said Discovery Metals' MD, Brad Sampson. "Our strategy of partnering with highly experienced industry professionals should give shareholders great confidence in the quality of the BFS outcomes."
Sampson said the agreement on the Terms of Reference for the EIA is also a significant step and the company is on track to complete the EIA at the end of 2008.
"The BFS will be completed in mid-2009 and is a key step in Discovery Metal's goal to produce and sell copper concentrate to the world market from early 2011," he added.
At the same time, they are continuing infill drilling of existing deposits and anticipate further expansion of the Boseto Copper Project resource base.
The Boseto Copper Project is located in north-western Botswana. It currently has a total mineral resource of 49.1 million tons at 1.2 percent Cu. It is anticipated that further drilling being undertaken will result in an increase in this resource base.
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