Image Source: BEM ASX Announcement, 24 February 2021
Summary
- BEM to kick off Stage 2 pilot metallurgical test program on graphite ore from Maniry Project.
- Stage 2 pilot test work undertaken by BGRIMM is scheduled to be completed in the Second Quarter this year.
- Successful completion of the Program will help the company to expedite project funding and the commencement of plant construction.
Critical commodity focussed company, BlackEarth Minerals NL (ASX: BEM) is moving from strength to strength, piggybacking its solid exploration assets and strategic growth orientation. On 24 February 2021, BEM announced the commencement of its Stage 2 pilot test work program on the material from the Maniry Graphite Project, situated in Southern Madagascar.
The program will be focussed on finalising all parameters concerning process engineering as a part of BlackEarth’s Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) on the Maniry project. The pilot testwork program is expected to run for three months.
Alongside the fast-track development of Madagascan extensive graphite properties, the Company is also focussed on advancing its recent supply arrangement with German Luxcarbon GmbH.
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Test Program Planned
BEM is advancing the Stage 2 pilot program on the back of successful earlier pilot works undertaken by Beijing General Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (BGRIMM) and ALS Metallurgy (Perth). BGRIMM completed the Stage 1 testwork last year, confirming Maniry Graphite’s usage potential across diversified industries.
Under the contract, BGRIMM will undertake a Stage 2 testwork program to be completed in June Quarter 2021. The program consists of several elements.
The Stage 2 program will utilise around 60-70 tonnes of graphite ore from BlackEarth’s Maniry project.
The outcomes will be used in providing specifications for final equipment and optimising the Maniry flow sheet. Furthermore, the program results would offer significant information for advancing final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the Project.
The program would also be used to generate substantial concentrate that would aid the Company to finalise off-take and downstream arrangements.
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BlackEarth committed towards Social and Community Needs
Meanwhile, the Company continues to engage in social and community activities, thereby fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders of the project region. Notably, Southern Madagascar, including areas around the Maniry graphite project, is currently experiencing the impacts of a significant famine.
It has caused many local villagers to sell their assets in a bid to remain in the area. At the same time, many others have headed north to townships, where food are more readily available.
BlackEarth has been active in responding to the critical situation and has sent four tonnes of food supplies to the area for helping out local villagers.
Source: BEM ASX Update, 24 February 2021
The Company will continue to monitor the situation and intends to extend its on-going support to those most in need in the area.
BEM shares were trading at $0.152 on 25 February 2021 (AEDT: 11:45 AM). In the past one month alone, BEM has delivered a return of over 114%.
