Mineral sands producer Base Resources can extend the life of its 100%-owned Kwale Operations in Kenya by 13 months to Dec 2024 after approving development of the Bumamani project.
Its DFS confirmed the viability of mining 17.9Mt ore reserves within higher-grade subsets of the Bumamani and Kwale North Dune deposits.
As well as extending the Kwale Operations’ life, the decision maintains continuity while Base develops further opportunities in Kenya and regionally.
FY22 production guidance remains 73,000-83,000t rutile, 310,000-340,000t ilmenite and 24,000-28,000t zircon, but some lower grade initial mining areas and the uncertainties of a new orebody lower its FY23 forecast to 62,000-73,000t rutile, 260,000-310,000t ilmenite and 22,000-27,000t zircon.