Alara Resources has engaged Indian company McNally Bharat Engineering Company (MBE) to carry out engineering work at the Al Hadeetha Copper Project in the Sultanate of Oman. “This formal appointment follows a thorough tender evaluation process, letter of intent and meeting between MBE, Alara’s EPCM contractor Progesys and proiect operator Al Hadeetha Resources in India last week.” The scope of work will begin with front-end project engineering, geotechnical drilling and preparation of detailed designs for plant and other site infrastructure. The appointment will provide an extended work scope including procurement for the proposed 1 Mt/y copper concentrator plant.

Alara Managing Director Justin Richard said: “This is another important step forward for the development of the Al Hadeetha Copper Project at the Washihi-Mazzaza site in the Sultanate of Oman. We are pleased to enter this partnership with MBE who have demonstrated a detailed understanding of the technical aspects of the project, possess in-depth knowledge of copper mineral processing and a thorough awareness of all project work requirements in Oman. All stakeholders are focused on meeting the development milestones to see Al Hadeetha Resources become the next producer of copper concentrate in Oman.”

Finalised plant layout as well as process flow, single-line, and piping and instrumentation diagrams, are due for completion in the June quarter of 2019 with detailed engineering due in early quarter three. “The appointment of MBE is the first step towards developing a mutually rewarding and potentially long-term business relationship as the mining sector in Oman continues to expand along with Alara’s project portfolio.”

The scope of work will begin with front-end project engineering, geotechnical drilling and preparation of detailed designs for plant and other site infrastructure.