Australian based Kasbah Resources (ASX-KAS) has completed an Enhanced Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for its Achmmach tin project in Morocco, cutting costs and increasing potential production. The updated DFS outlines production of a 1Mtpa underground mine, concentrator and associated infrastructure.
Key improvements over the 2014 DFS include an 18% reduction in forecast capital expenditure to US$148 million and a 13% reduction in C3 costs projected by Kasbah to US$13,296 per tonne of tin- in-concentrate. Assuming a tin price of US$21,511 at the time of production, the DFS suggests an improved post tax NPV of US$171 million. Although cost improvements have been made by operational enhancements, the currency depreciation has helped significantly.
Operational improvements included a 5% increase in ore processed to 1.05 Mtpa and improved potential tin recoveries of 71.8%, which have both contributed to a 10% increase in forecast annual tin production capacity to 5,850 tonnes. An underground connection with Achmmach’s Western Zone will extend the mine life to 10 years and the ore reserve has also seen a 9% increase to 9.2 Mt at 0.77% Sn, or 71, 300 tonnes of contained tin.
Wayne Bramwell, Managing Director of Kasbah, said: “The Kasbah team and our consultants have done a fantastic job optimising key project factors within our control and the robustness of this project has been improved significantly. The underlying economics of this strategic tin asset remain compelling.”
