The Tasiast mine is an open-pit gold mining operation located in north western Mauritania, approximately 300 kilometres north of the capital Nouakchott.
Client requirements
Kinross engaged Ausenco to perform a Feasibility Study for the Phase 1 expansion of the mine operation. Phase 1 increases the current throughput capacity of 8,000 t/d to 12,000 t/d.
Project solutions and approach
Ausenco provided Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) services for a new front-end processing facility and increased capacity in the existing ball mill, CIL, elution circuits and tailings management systems.
The new front-end included a gyratory primary crushing station, stockpile, reclaim system and SAG mill comminution circuit which was sized for future requirements.
Outcomes and achievements
The “Phase 1” expansion of the mine, increased the current throughput capacity of 8,000 t/d to 12,000 t/d.
Ausenco’s knowledge of the Tasiast mine expansion is extensive, having delivered to Kinross the following:
- Feasibility Study to increase the throughput capacity of the mill (“Phase 1”)
- Prefeasibility Study for further expansion of the process plant to up to 38,000 t/d (a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 expansion).
The EPCM contract was awarded based on Ausenco’s unique combination of lean capital cost design, accelerated delivery schedule, collaborative delivery approach and extensive Africa project delivery experience.