Meridian Mining SE has announced it has begun production at its upgraded Jaburi plant in Rondônia, Brazil.
Progress to date includes:
- A completed initial run through of dry material.
- The start of continuous production runs.
- Current availability is 70% expected to reach 90% plus by the end of the year.
The plant is now operating with reduced quantities of material, gradually scaling up production as the company aligns staff, new operational processes with the new equipment. All systems are continually being adjusted with different quantities and variations in material processed, so each stage of production can be optimised.
"The construction and first phase implementation of the new plant has met our expectations and is on schedule," said Carlos Braga, COO of Meridian.
"This is a strong endorsement of our main contractors Kuttner (Kuttner do Brazil Equipmentos Siderúrgicos Ltda.) and the ability of our own staff to partner in this highly complex process," he added.
The construction of the new plant began in June 2016 with the commencement of civil works and the addition of a new feeder, primary crusher and roll crusher. The commissioned plant will achieve cost savings through additional capacity, a streamlined process, as well as providing reliable conditions for Meridian to achieve its production and safety goals. The expanded capacity will also allow Meridian to further explore and reach out to international niche markets of high grade manganese.
Since acquiring their mining assests in Rondônia, Meridian has produced a total of 100 000 t of manganese. Production reached 50 000 t on 20 December 2017.