15
2024-07
Our Global Footprints: 2024 International Project Showcase (Mining)
In the midst of the lush rice fields and thriving nature,
from India, bordered by mountains, to Argentina, the farthest nation from China,
from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as the "Heart of Africa", to Indonesia, the "Land of Thousand Islands"
the steadfast footsteps of Nerin employees can be seen everywhere, persevering their way forward.
The gradual achievements of each project
converges into a mighty river that propels Nerin's high-quality development.
All major business sectors are rowing vigorously upwards,
collectively painting the most vibrant picture for the "Year of Foundation" in 2024.
On the occasion of celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,
China Nerin presents a special showcase featuring its ongoing projects,
narrating project progress and technical highlights with meticulous details,
sharing the stories of Nerin employees as they brave through challenges and forge ahead with perseverance.
1. Kamativi Polymetallic Lithium Mine Project in Zimbabwe
Located in the North Matabeleland Province in western Zimbabwe, this project is a large mining and processing complex.
The mining and processing capacity of the project is 2.3 million tons per annum (2,300 kt/a), constructed in two phases. Open-pit mining is employed for the mine, while the concentrator adopts a process flow of "three-stage closed-circuit crushing + grinding and classification + two-stage desliming + mica flotation + montebrasite flotation + spodumene flotation + spodumene concentrate two-stage dehydration.” China Nerin has provided full-process engineering and technical services from feasibility studies to basic and detailed design. The project team has made technological innovations in the processing of high-phosphorus spodumene ores, implemented a range of strategies to minimize investment costs, conserve energy, and reduce consumption, thereby ensuring technical support for the construction of an advanced, green, and environmentally friendly large mine. At present, the Phase 2 concentrator of the project is under full construction and is expected to be completed and put into operation by August 2024.
In April this year, President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe personally visited the project site and highly praised the project's positive contributions to promoting local economic and social development.
2. Kamoya Copper-Cobalt Mine Phase 2 Sulphide Ore Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Kamoya Copper-Cobalt Mine Project of Comika Mining SAS in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was constructed in two phases, both of which have been entrusted to China Nerin. Phase 2 specially comprises two separated systems: the oxide ore project and the sulphide ore project. Throughout these projects, China Nerin has undertaken the full-process design, automation system integration, equipment supply, and supervision. Phase 1 was commissioned in May 2016, and Phase 2 oxide ore project was successfully put into operation in July 2020. When both projects of Phase 2 are put into operation, the project will annually produce 55kt of high-quality cathode copper and 10kt of cobalt metal contained within cobalt hydroxide.
Currently underway is the sulphide ore project of Phase 2. The design capacity for mining and mineral processing is 1,980kt/a ROM, while the design capacity for the roasting and acid production system is 100kt/a copper-cobalt sulfide concentrate and 100kt/a sulfuric acid. This is a complex of mining, mineral processing, roasting, and hydrometallurgy. The design adopts a dual-decline development method and the medium-long hole phased mining with subsequent stope filling method for deep-seated sulphide ore bodies. The dual-decline development offers advantages such as simplified construction, short construction duration, rapid commissioning, high transportation capacity assurance, and low transportation costs. Meanwhile, the medium-long hole phased mining with subsequent stope filling method features low loss rate and high recovery efficiency.
Currently, the Phase 2 sulphide concentrator, roasting and acid production plant, and hydrometallurgical system expansion have all been successfully commissioned. The auxiliary mining shaft industrial site, decline entrance industrial site, and ventilation shaft industrial site are entering the closeout stage of construction. The underground development system and drainage system have been established, and mining and cutting works are ongoing at the 940m and 990m auxiliary mid-levels.
3. Bakubung Platinum Mine Concentrator Project in South Africa
The Bakubung Platinum Mine Concentrator is a project of South Africa's Sibanye-Stillwater Platinum Company. The project capacity is 3,000kt/a, implemented in two phases: 1,000kt/a for Phase 1 and 2,000kt/a for Phase 2. The project adopts a "three-stage closed-circuit crushing - staged grinding - staged separation" process. China Nerin has undertaken the detailed design of the concentrator's process system and utility and auxiliary facilities.
The project adopted South African design standards, with design delivery documents fully compliant with Western practices and the design depth also met the construction requirements of the non-Chinese construction team, necessitating exceptionally high design standards. The project employed advanced, full-discipline 3D design and pre-assembled module methods, enhancing design precision and accuracy, achieving near "zero-error" in detailed design. All steel structures and piping in the project met domestic prefabrication and on-site assembly requirements, significantly reducing on-site design changes and construction rectification costs. Currently, Phase 1 of the project has been successfully commissioned, and supplementary design work is underway.
This project represents the first platinum mine concentrator built overseas by a Chinese enterprise, filling a gap in China's design capabilities for large platinum mine concentrators. Its successful completion and commissioning have also elevated China Nerin's brand influence in South Africa.
4. Bonga Niobium Mining and Processing Project in Angola
Located in Huila Province, central-western Angola, the Bonga Niobium Mining and Processing Project is a large mining and mineral processing complex and the largest niobium metal mine in Africa. It primarily focuses on recovering niobium minerals while also recovering phosphorus and iron minerals, with a mining and processing capacity of 2,400kt/a, yielding 20kt/a niobium concentrate, 220kt/a phosphorus concentrate, and 70kt/a iron concentrate. The project's construction encompasses mining industrial site, warehouse area, mineral processing plant, campsite, tailings storage facilities, and reserved industrial park site.
China Nerin, in response to the national "Belt and Road" Initiative, aimed to facilitate the "going out" of China's mining technologies and undertook the project's design in June 2021, submitting all design deliverables by June 2024. Throughout the execution phase, the project team actively innovated, conducting multi-scheme comparisons in mining plans, mineral processing technology research, and general layout planning to ensure optimal technical solutions.
Currently, the project is undergoing intense construction and is anticipated to commence operation in October 2024. Upon completion, it will significantly improve transportation, water supply, and electricity access for surrounding residents and serve as a new base for nurturing local mining technicians, fostering local economic and social development.
5. Elazig Copper Mine Shaft Project in Turkey
The Elazig Copper Mine Shaft Project belongs to the ETI BAKIR Group of Turkey, a conglomerate spanning large-scale infrastructure, energy, mining, and other sectors, making it Turkey's largest mining company. This project marks the third collaboration between China Nerin and ETI BAKIR Group, following the successful implementation of the Kure Copper Mine and Mandenkoy Copper Mine projects in Turkey. Through the preceding two projects, China Nerin's technical prowess and superior services have garnered high praise from the client, who has directly entrusted the company with the design work for this project.
The project faces complex hydrogeological conditions and adheres to rigorous European design standards. The implementation of unmanned underground crushing and loading technology, coupled with the double-wall shaft lining support technology, has effectively addressed water inrush issues in the shaft, ensuring the safe operation of the hoisting system. Furthermore, the application of China Nerin's patented "Impact-Resistant Skip Loading Device" for underground ore loading significantly reduces impact during skip loading, thereby extending the service life of steel ropes. Notably, the project does not incorporate an auxiliary shaft, with a single main hoisting system efficiently handling the lifting tasks of 1,500kt/a ores as well as operation personnel, significantly reducing mine investment and enhancing economic benefits.
The construction commenced in February 2024, with an anticipated completion and commissioning date by the end of 2027. Upon completion, the project will further consolidate ETI BAKIR Group's position as Turkey's biggest mining company and elevate China Nerin's brand influence in the Turkish market.
6. Darri Lead-Zinc Mine Project in Indonesia
The Darri Lead-Zinc Mine in Indonesia is currently the highest-grade underground lead-zinc mine awaiting development globally. Located in the northwest of Sumatra Island, Indonesia, the project boasts a mining and processing capacity of 1,000kt/a, with an average zinc (Zn) grade of 14.6% and an average lead (Pb) grade of 9.1%.
China Nerin has undertaken the overall design for this project, adopting underground mining methods, primarily vertical cut and fill stoping and overhand drift-fill-and-mining stoping. These mining methods offer high drilling efficiency, low cost, and substantial stope production capacity. For mineral processing, the project employs a "primary crusher + SAG + ball mill + flotation" process flow, which is characterized by its brevity, ease of operation, and cost-effectiveness.
Moreover, China Nerin has also taken charge of the automation and informatization system construction for the project, encompassing the design of low-voltage smart drive panels for the entire plant, integration design of the plant-wide informatization system, complete equipment supply, installation guidance, on-site commissioning and training services. The goal is to establish the project as a benchmark for global digital mines.
Currently, the project has completed the construction drawing design for basic facilities and key engineering works, with an anticipated completion and commencement of production in 2026. Upon production, the project will yield 225kt/a zinc concentrate and 105kt/a lead concentrate, significantly contributing to local economic and social development and fostering technical exchanges between China and Indonesia.
7. Tumurtin-Obo Zinc Mine Deep Boundary Resource Mining Project in Mongolia
Located in Sukhbaatar Province, eastern Mongolia, this project involves transitioning from open-pit to underground mining with a mining and processing capacity of 430kt/a. It utilizes decline development and employs full-tailings paste backfill in the alpine region, adhering to Mongolian national standards in its design. The project has been hailed as a "model of Sino-Mongolian cooperation". China Nerin has provided full-process engineering and technical services from feasibility studies to basic and detailed design.
Taking into account the alpine environment of the mine, the project team has made technical adjustments to the full-tailings paste backfill process and long-distance tailings transportation process. Implementing multiple safe, reliable, energy-saving, and emission-reduction measures, the team has provided technical support for constructing an advanced, green, and environmentally friendly overseas mine. Currently, the underground development and surface construction are under intense construction, with an anticipated completion and commencement of production in September 2024.
