Finders says Wetar copper plant on track for Q1 2016 commissioning

By Ruli Setiawan

ASX-listed Finders Resources Limited announced on Friday that the 25,000 ton per annum (tpa) copper cathode SX-EW plant at its Wetar Copper Project in Maluku Province remains on track for commissioning in Q1 2016.

The plant?s construction progress, earthmoving activity increased following mobilization of a second earthmoving fleet, with Stormwater Pond Three advancing to the floor of the underdrainage. Once the underdrainage is installed, the dam walls will be shaped and compacted to allow installation of the liner.

The first cell of the KKV Heap Leach Pad, which is the largest pad adjacent to the 25,000 tpa SX-EW plant site, is lined and the new crusher is currently crushing the initial bedding layer.

Earthworks at Stormwater Pond Two have been completed and the pond is currently being lined. Once completed the pumps and necessary pipework will be installed and the pond will be ready for use.

The plant?s raffinate pond located adjacent to the plant site is lined and ready for use.

The final cut on the neutralization pad is currently being undertaken prior to handover for the commencement for concrete work. The cut required widening of the main haul road to allow the pad to be enlarged. During the excavation of the open pit haul ramp onto the main access ramp a small quantity of additional ore was excavated from outside the ore reserve.

Construction is well advanced on the coastal facilities to support the increase in personnel and material movements required for the intensive construction phase during the December quarter. Completed facilities to date include the concrete batching plant, emergency airstrip, medical clinic and emergency center, laundry facility, 188-person construction camp, kitchen and mess facility, various staff quarters and offices.

The Wetar Copper Project comprises the development, mining and processing of sulphide deposits at Kali Kuning and Lerokis located on Wetar Island. The project scope includes the (current) operation of a 3,000 tpa copper cathode SX-EW plant and the construction of an additional 25,000 tpa copper cathode SX-EW plant.

Managing Director Barry Cahill commented: ?It is pleasing to report the significant progress made on the expansion project during the quarter, which remains on budget and on track for production in Q1 2016. During the December quarter, the expansion project will really take shape as we advance into an intensive construction phase on the 25,000 tpa SX-EW plant.?

Editing by Johannes Simbolon