AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
FRA
GER
ESP
ITA
NLD
PRT
SWE
GRC
IND
POL
BRA
ZAF
RUS
CHN
UAE
Highlights:
- Copper Sales Progress: Initial sales of up to 1,000 tonnes of copper ore to global commodity traders are now expected to close by 31 January 2025 due to delays in metallurgical testing.
- Metallurgical Testing Results: Initial test results indicate exceptional performance in leach rates, recoveries, and other criteria, surpassing industry standards.
- Phase 1 and 2 Development Plans: Construction of the gravity concentrate and hydrometallurgy processing circuits is advancing, with stockpiled high-grade copper ore ready for sale.
Marula Mining (LSE:MARU, A2X:MARU), an African-focused mining and development company, has released an update on developments at its Kinusi Copper Mine in Tanzania's Dodoma Region. The company highlighted progress in trial shipments, metallurgical testing, and its two-phase development strategy, alongside efforts to finalize initial copper sales agreements.
Copper Sales and Delays
The company previously announced trial shipments of 1,000 tonnes of copper ore to four Swiss and UK-based commodity trading groups. However, sales were delayed due to longer-than-anticipated turnaround times for metallurgical testwork and assay results from South African laboratories during the holiday season. These results, now expected by 31 January 2025, are critical for finalizing product specifications and optimizing the processing plant design.
Promising Metallurgical Results
Preliminary feedback from metallurgical consultants has been highly positive, with testwork showing copper ore exceeding expectations in leach rates, recoveries, and other metrics. These results will influence the design of both the Phase 1 gravity concentrate and Phase 2 hydrometallurgy circuits. Phase 1 aims to produce 24,000 tpa of high-grade copper concentrate, while Phase 2 will involve advanced processes to produce 10,200 tpa of copper cathode.
Mining and Processing Activities Intensify
Takela Mining Tanzania Limited, Marula’s local partner, continues open-pit mining operations at the No. 4 Open Pit Mine, where high-grade copper ore has been stockpiled for upcoming sales. Recent budgetary and planning meetings in Nairobi have paved the way for intensified mining and processing activities in Q1 2025. The awarding and commissioning of the Phase 1 processing circuit are also expected to commence this quarter.
Sales Negotiations and Strategy
Richard Hawken, Marula’s newly appointed trading and commodity sales consultant, is leading the final negotiations for the initial sales contracts and advising on a broader long-term sales strategy for Kinusi. His expertise is expected to support the company’s aim of securing competitive commercial terms for its copper output.
