Tag Archives: Algeria

Sinosteel Equipment to help build Tala Hamza zinc-lead project in Algeria

Terramin Australia Limited says Western Mediterranean Zinc Spa (WMZ), the operator of Tala Hamza zinc project, in Algeria, has signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract with Sinosteel Equipment & Engineering Co. Ltd for the construction of the project.

The scope of the EPC Contract covers the construction of the following:

  • 2 Mt/y process plant;
  • 2 Mt/y underground mine;
  • Backfill plant;
  • General civil works;
  • Dry stack tailing storage facility;
  • Water ponds and wastewater treatment plant;
  • Road works (including access road) within the mining permit;
  • Electrical supply infrastructure within mining permit;
  • Various workshops, offices and laboratory; and
  • Security fencing

The EPC contract has been signed off at a value of $336 million and the funding arrangements for the contract have also been agreed and formalised for the next 18 months. It is anticipated that construction will commence in the coming weeks.

Sinosteel MECC is an internationally renowned engineering technology and service company with technological innovation as the guide, with engineering general contracting and professional services as its main business. Its business integrates domestic and overseas EPC projects, including mining, metallurgy, power energy and mineral processing.

Sinosteel MECC has executed overseas projects of more than $17.02 billion since 1999, covering 50-plus countries and regions. The total contract value performed in Algeria has been over $4 billion since 2015, including mining and beneficiation projects and green raw materials projects.

Terramin’s Executive Chair, Bruce Sheng, said: “The signing of this EPC contract is an enormous achievement, the culmination of many years of hard work for not only Terramin but also for our Algerian partners. For the nation of Algeria, this will become an historical event by positioning themselves with a world class mining project, which will boost their economy and showcase the use of high global mining standards for this long-term mining operation. It is with great anticipation that everyone involved is about to see the construction of this special project begin.”

Tala Hamza is owned by WMZ, a joint venture vehicle in which Terramin holds a 49% shareholding with the remaining 51% held by two Algerian government-owned companies: Enterprise Nationale des Produits Miniers Non-Ferreux et des Substances Utiles Spa (48.5%) and Office National de Recherche Géologique et Minière (2.5%).

The Tala Hamza deposit holds a resource of 53 Mt at 5.3% Zn and 1.3% Pb at a cutoff grade of 2.5% zinc-equivalent. The deposit is situated within the Oued Amizour permit area that covers 125 sq.km and includes a number of potential additional prospects for lead-zinc and copper. A definitive feasibility study was completed in mid-2018, which indicated the mine could produce an average of 129,300 t/y of zinc concentrate and 26,000 t/y of lead concentrate over a 21-year mine life, peaking at 153,000 t/y zinc and 36,000 t/y lead concentrate from the mining and processing of an average of 1.32 Mt/y of ore.

Astec Industries looks to boost Africa and Middle East business with Aramine tie-up

Astec Industries, through its newly organised Africa and Middle East (AME) business unit, has announced a distribution partnership with France-based mining and underground solutions specialist Aramine.

This strategic alliance will enhance the supply, distribution and service of Astec mining, quarrying and materials handling equipment in numerous African countries, Astec said. This includes rock breaker systems, rock crushers, feeders, vibrating screens, conveyors, washing and classifying equipment for open-pit mines, alongside underground mining products and bulk material handling systems.

Aramine has been appointed as a dealer for Astec Material Solutions products in Mauritania, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, and Niger in West Africa, as well as in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco in the Maghreb region.

Vinesh Surajlall, Director – Material Solutions at Astec AME (pictured), said: “The expansion of the Astec portfolio that will be distributed by Aramine is an important evolution in our commercial relations, as we collaborate in very active and demanding markets in West Africa and the Maghreb.

“With this partnership, we are developing a new customer proximity offer, combining expertise, services and quality products.”

Jaime Martel, Key Regional and Product Manager and Head of Distribution Partnerships at Aramine, says the new venture represents Astec’s confidence in Aramine. The two organisations have enjoyed a longstanding distribution partnership which previously encompassed only the BTI range of rock breaker and boom systems.

“The extension of our alliance, to cover the material solutions offering, will equip us further in meeting the needs of our customers in the regions,” he noted.

In addition to its recognised expertise and technical service, Aramine will leverage its networks of subsidiaries and partners in the regions, Astec said.

The recent group restructuring and the establishment of Astec Industries AME will deliver further benefits for Astec customers in the region, the company says.

“The move forms part of Astec Industries’ international expansion strategy, with regional sales organisations established to improve customer interaction and support for the complete range of Astec products,” Astec said. “Astec Industries AME is one of these regional sales organisations and will be responsible for business relationships in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. The AME offices are based in Elandsfontein, Johannesburg, with regional sales managers positioned strategically within the region to support the business’s dealer network and customers.”

Surajlall concluded: “We look forward to contributing to the continued growth of our customers’ businesses through this enhanced structure, optimised product range and support structures throughout the Astec Industries organisations. This expanded partnership with Aramine represents an important opportunity to strengthen the presence of Astec Industries Inc in these significant territories.”