The Tucano Gold Project, located in the Amapa State in northern Brazil, was previously a heap leach operation and has now transitioned into a new Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) facility. Ausenco began work on Tucano in 2010 and delivered a definitive feasibility study to determine capital and operating estimates for the processing plant, cyanide neutralisation plant, and associated infrastructure.
Our scope also included managing the environmental impact statement review studies and metallurgical testwork conducted by consultants appointed by the client. Ausenco continued its association with Tucano by successfully delivering design, procurement, and construction management for the new gold ore processing facility in 2012.
The EPCM services were delivered in two sections:
- Offshore EP services - all necessary engineering and drafting required for the project including offshore procurement and supply.
- Onshore EPCM services – engineering, procurement, construction management services for personnel based in Brazil.
The facility will treat 3.5 mt/y of ore and incorporate existing infrastructure, utilities, elution and gold refining process facilities at the site.
The main challenge Ausenco encountered was to adapt a previously designed gold processing plant to suit the requirements of the Tucano project. Utilising the existing design, our dedicated gold processing team achieved a significant cost saving for the client.
Our offices in Perth, Australia; Mumbai, India; and Belo Horizonte in Brazil all collaborated to successfully deliver the Tucano Gold project.