Promising results of a deep drilling program at the Bisie tin prospect in east-central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have recorded 25m of 7.98% Sn. However, uncertainty still remains regarding the future of artisanal miners in the area despite the validation of seven mine areas elsewhere.
The resource infill and deep drilling program has also confirmed continuation of tin mineralisation at depths greater than 400 metres with potential for further mineralisation to the north of the Mpama North deposit. In addition, various technical studies are near completion which will support the initiation of a definitive feasibility study at Bisie, due to commence in Q1 2015. This is in line with the aim of beginning construction of an underground mine at Mpama North by early 2016. A first resource estimate for Mpama South is also targeted towards the end of Q2 2015.
In response to the attack on the Bisie camp earlier this year, which resulted in temporary suspension of drilling activity, the government halted all artisanal mining activity and ordered artisanal miners to depart the area. However, while seven artisanal mine sites have recently been validated as ‘green’ across Walikale Territory as part of a collaboration between the government and several other international organisations, at present, no traceability programme is in place and access to the international market will remain difficult.
