BlackEarth graphite project on home stretch

ASX-listed BlackEarth Minerals has turned to Chinese metallurgical expertise to help it develop a robust processing flowsheet for its rapidly evolving Maniry graphite project in Madagascar.

The WA-based company has joined forces with the Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, known as “BGRIMM”, to finalise all process engineering-related matters as part of the DFS for Maniry, which sits in the East African island’s southwest corner.

Under the terms of a recently signed contract, a two-stage test program will be conducted, with the first stage to be completed in the first quarter of 2020.

The first stage will involve laboratory-scale test work based on an initial 250 kilogram sample of the Maniry graphite ores, with the results to be used to confirm all earlier work carried out by ALS Perth.

The work will provide direction regarding optimising the processing flowsheets, reagent systems, industrial equipment selection and process operating conditions for the second stage, larger-scale process pilot testing.

BlackEarth expects this second test program will use around 60-70 tonnes of the Maniry graphite ores to optimise the deposit’s final flowsheet and provide equipment specifications.

The results should also provide significant guidance regarding the project’s final environmental and social impact assessments and will be used to generate substantial graphite ore concentrates to assist in the finalising of off-take agreements for the project.

Founded in 1956, the BGRIMM engages in research and development, offers engineering services in relation to mineral resource developments and provides expertise on mining, mineral processing, metallurgy and the recycling of metallic resources.

It is also a globally recognised technical leader in graphite processing, having successfully engaged with many Chinese and overseas graphite developers and producers by providing testing, engineering, procurement and construction management services.

BlackEarth managing director Tom Revy said: “Over the past 12 months BlackEarth has achieved several significant milestones which are critical in progressing the Maniry project into production, which will subsequently move BlackEarth into cashflow.”

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