The Northern Miner
Exploration company Tanzanian Gold Corporation has begun the commissioning phase of an expanded processing plant at its Buckreef gold project, which will process up to 360 tons per day (tpd).
The $1.6 million expansion project was completed in October, with production at Buckreef’s 120 tpd plant continuing during construction. The newly completed processing plant achieved a 90% gold recovery rate and has been incorporated into the facility’s new processing plant circuit.
Tanzanian Gold stated that the expanded plant will facilitate the production of between 750 and 800 ounces of gold per month, upon final commissioning, at costs averaging between $725 and $825 per ounce.
According to a statement by Tanzanian Gold, “The increased processing capacity is expected to allow us to advance the mine plan and increase near-term production in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The increased anticipated cash flow from the new larger plant will enable us to speed up the advancement of Buckreef Gold, including exploration at the Buckreef Main Zone, Buckreef West, and Anfield Zone.”
Tanzanian Gold has indicated its commitment to the advancement of a 1,000+ tpd operation capable of producing between 15,000 and 20,000 ounces of gold per year while simultaneously operating its new 360 tpd operation.
Stephen Mullowney, CEO for Tanzanian Gold, stated that the expanded processing plant’s operating cash flow will mitigate the negative cash flow resulting from the testing period, while anticipated cash flow generated from the larger plant will be re-invested into exploration and drilling, and enhanced CSR/ESG programs.
Expansion of the 360 tpd processing plant was undertaken by teams from Buckreef Gold and TanGold, with consulting services provided by construction engineering company, Audenco, South African mineral processing equipment supplier, Solo Resources, and infrastructure development company, CSI Energy Group.
The Buckreef Gold Project is owned by Tanzanian Gold (55%) and Tanzania’s State Mining Company, Stamico (45%).
