CASE STUDY
North-South Corridor Roads
Table of abbreviations
United States dollars
$
African Development Bank
AfDB
Single trailer articulated trucks
artics
Banded Ironstone Formation
BIF
Billion (thousand million)
bn
Billions of tonnes
bt
Coal Bed Methane
CBM
Companhia Dos Caminhos De Ferro Da Beira, S.A.R.L
CCFB
Carbon (dioxide) Capture and Storage
CCS
Chart datum
CD
Chief Executive Officer
CEO
Ceramic metal composite
cermet
Mozambique Ports and Railways
CFM
Di Methyl Ether (CH3OCH3),
DME
Dry metric ton unit
dmtu
Democratic Republic of the Congo
DRC
Deadweight tonnage (the safe carrying limit of a ship)
DWT
Electricidade de Mozambique
EDM
Environmental impact assessment
EIA
Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos
ENH
Front for the Liberation of Mozambique
FRELIMO
Gross vehicle mass
GVM
Highland African Mining Company
HAMC
High purity pig iron
HPPI
Heavy rare earth oxides (Eu through Lu +Y).
HREO
High voltage direct current
HVDC
Interested and Affected parties
I&AP's
Kilometres
km
Pound
lb
Life of Mine
LOM
Mineral Engineering Technical Services Pty Ltd
METS
Memorandum of understanding
MoU
Millions of tonnes
Mt
Millions of tonnes per annum
Mtpa
Metric ton unit
mtu
Megawatt
MW
Materials and Structures National Technical Committee
NTC
Odzi-Mutare-Manica Greenstone Belt
OMM
Per annum
pa
Palabora Mining Company
PAM
Pulverised coal injection
PCI
Proton Exchange Membrane
PEM
Platinum group metals
PGM
Parts per million
ppm
Particle size distribution
PSD
Rare earths
RE
Rare Earth Elements
REE
Southern African Development Community
SADC
Southern Africa Power Pool
SAPP
Spatial Development Initiative
SDI
Sedimentary exhalative
SedEx
Specific gravity
SG
Tonnes (1,000 kilograms)
t, ton
Trillion cube feet
tcf
Twenty foot equivalent units (approximate cargo capacity based on 6.1m x 2.4m container loads)
TEU
Tonne kilometre
tkm
TNG Limited
TNG
Terms of reference
TOR
Tonnes per annum
tpa
Tonnes per hour
tph
Total rare earth oxides (La through Lu + Y)
TREO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………….…………….i
1.
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1. Spatial Development Initiatives ................................................................................ 4
1.1.1.
Beira SDI ................................................................................................. 4
1.1.2.
Zambezi SDI ............................................................................................ 4
1.1.3.
Nacala SDI............................................................................................... 4
1.2. Geopolitical environment .......................................................................................... 5
2.
METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................ 7
3.
GEOLOGY ...................................................................................................................... 9
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
4.
MINERAL SCARCITY ................................................................................................... 13
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
5.
Definition of scarcity ............................................................................................... 14
Supercycles ............................................................................................................ 15
Energy .................................................................................................................... 17
Food security .......................................................................................................... 17
WORLD ECONOMIC CLIMATE.................................................................................... 19
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
6.
Mozambique ............................................................................................................. 9
Zambia ................................................................................................................... 10
Zimbabwe ............................................................................................................... 10
Malawi .................................................................................................................... 10
Introduction............................................................................................................. 19
Demand .................................................................................................................. 19
Supply .................................................................................................................... 20
Commodity Prices .................................................................................................. 20
Financing ................................................................................................................ 22
MINERAL DEPOSITS ................................................................................................... 25
6.1. Aggregate ............................................................................................................... 26
6.2. Aluminium minerals ................................................................................................ 26
6.2.1.
Reserves and resources ........................................................................ 26
6.2.2.
Market .................................................................................................... 27
6.2.3.
Properties and applications ................................................................... 28
6.2.4.
Substitutes ............................................................................................. 28
6.2.5.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 28
6.3. Asbestos................................................................................................................. 30
6.4. Carbonatites ........................................................................................................... 30
6.5. Coal ........................................................................................................................ 32
6.5.1.
Market .................................................................................................... 32
6.5.2.
Reserves and resources ........................................................................ 33
6.5.3.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 35
6.5.4.
Production .............................................................................................. 36
6.5.5.
Logistics ................................................................................................. 37
6.5.6.
Downstream opportunities associated with the Tete coal deposits ....... 37
6.5.7.
Coal development and the environment ................................................ 42
6.5.8.
Conclusion ............................................................................................. 43
6.6. Copper.................................................................................................................... 43
6.6.1.
Market .................................................................................................... 43
6.6.2.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 43
6.7. Diamonds ............................................................................................................... 45
6.8. Dimension Stone .................................................................................................... 45
6.8.1.
Resources .............................................................................................. 45
6.8.2.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 46
6.8.3.
Conclusion ............................................................................................. 47
6.9. Fluorite (Fluorspar) ................................................................................................. 47
6.9.1.
Resources .............................................................................................. 47
6.9.2.
Market .................................................................................................... 47
6.9.3.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 48
6.9.4.
Transport and energy infrastructure ...................................................... 49
6.9.5.
Conclusion ............................................................................................. 50
6.10.
Gold ................................................................................................................... 50
6.10.1.
Introduction ............................................................................................ 50
6.10.2.
Market .................................................................................................... 51
6.10.3.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 52
6.10.4.
Conclusion ............................................................................................. 55
6.11.
Graphite ............................................................................................................. 56
6.11.1.
Market .................................................................................................... 56
6.11.2.
Properties and applications ................................................................... 57
6.11.3.
Reserves and resources ........................................................................ 58
6.11.4.
Production .............................................................................................. 58
6.11.5.
Price ....................................................................................................... 58
6.11.6.
Substitutes ............................................................................................. 58
6.11.7.
Graphite Deposits .................................................................................. 59
6.11.8.
Mozambique .......................................................................................... 59
6.11.9.
Zambia ................................................................................................... 61
6.11.10.
Malawi.................................................................................................... 62
6.11.11.
Strategy ................................................................................................. 63
6.12.
Iron and steel ..................................................................................................... 63
6.12.1.
Market .................................................................................................... 63
6.12.2.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 65
6.13.
Downstream opportunities associated with Tete Magnetite .............................. 68
6.13.1.
Market and Technology ......................................................................... 68
6.13.2.
Opportunities ......................................................................................... 69
6.13.3.
Conclusion ............................................................................................. 71
6.14.
Kaolin................................................................................................................. 71
6.15.
Lithium ............................................................................................................... 72
6.16.
Limestone .......................................................................................................... 72
6.17.
Monazite ............................................................................................................ 74
6.18.
Nepheline syenite .............................................................................................. 74
6.18.1.
Overview ................................................................................................ 75
6.18.2.
Spatial Impact ........................................................................................ 75
6.18.3.
Project Viability ...................................................................................... 75
6.19.
Niobium (columbium) and tantalum ................................................................... 76
6.19.1.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 78
6.19.2.
Mining .................................................................................................... 81
6.19.3.
Processing ............................................................................................. 81
6.19.4.
Conclusion ............................................................................................. 83
6.20.
Pegmatites......................................................................................................... 83
6.20.1.
Pegmatite minerals and Market ............................................................. 84
6.20.2.
Reserves and resources ........................................................................ 87
6.20.3.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 87
6.20.4.
Exploration ............................................................................................. 92
6.20.5.
Infrastructure .......................................................................................... 92
6.21.
Phosphate ......................................................................................................... 93
6.21.1.
Market .................................................................................................... 93
6.21.2.
Geology ................................................................................................. 95
6.21.3.
Properties and Uses .............................................................................. 95
6.21.4.
Reserves and resources ........................................................................ 95
6.21.5.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 95
6.21.6.
Outlook and Conclusion ......................................................................... 98
6.22.
Rare Earths ....................................................................................................... 98
6.22.1.
Deposits ................................................................................................. 99
6.23.
Silver................................................................................................................ 103
6.24.
Titanium and Zirconium ................................................................................... 103
6.24.1.
Deposits ............................................................................................... 104
6.25.
Downstream opportunities from heavy mineral sands mining ......................... 105
6.25.2.
Project Viability .................................................................................... 106
6.26.
Uranium ........................................................................................................... 106
7.
MINING ....................................................................................................................... 111
7.1. Mozambique ......................................................................................................... 111
7.1.1.
Current situation .................................................................................. 111
7.1.2.
Artisanal Mining in Mozambique .......................................................... 111
7.2. Alternative mining techniques ‒ Coal ................................................................... 112
7.2.1.
Coal bed methane ............................................................................... 112
8.
MINERAL LEGISLATION ............................................................................................ 115
8.1. Mozambique ......................................................................................................... 115
8.1.1.
Taxation ............................................................................................... 116
8.2. Zambia ................................................................................................................. 116
9.
MINERAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ................................................................... 117
9.1. Introduction........................................................................................................... 117
9.2. Fatal flaw analysis ................................................................................................ 118
9.3. Assessment of projects & project shortlist............................................................ 118
9.3.1.
Risk note .............................................................................................. 120
9.3.2.
Other projects for consideration ........................................................... 123
10.
PROJECT PROFILES .......................................................................................... 125
10.1.
Benga coal mine .............................................................................................. 125
10.1.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 125
10.1.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 125
10.1.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 125
10.1.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 125
10.1.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 125
10.1.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 125
10.1.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 126
10.2.
Coke plant ....................................................................................................... 126
10.2.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 126
10.2.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 126
10.2.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 126
10.2.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 126
10.2.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 126
10.2.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 127
10.2.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 127
10.3.
Coal fed power plant........................................................................................ 127
10.3.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 127
10.3.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 127
10.3.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 127
10.3.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 127
10.3.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 128
10.3.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 128
10.3.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 128
10.4.
Zambeze coal mine ......................................................................................... 129
10.4.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 129
10.4.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 129
10.4.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 129
10.4.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 129
10.4.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 130
10.4.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 130
10.4.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 130
10.5.
Tete magnetite ‒ ilmenite - phosphate mine.................................................... 130
10.5.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 130
10.5.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 130
10.5.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 131
10.5.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 131
10.5.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 131
10.5.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 131
10.5.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 131
10.6.
Iron and steel production ................................................................................. 131
10.6.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 131
10.6.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 132
10.6.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 132
10.6.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 132
10.6.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 132
10.6.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 132
10.6.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 133
10.7.
Ncondezi coal mine ......................................................................................... 133
10.7.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 133
10.7.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 133
10.7.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 133
10.7.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 133
10.7.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 133
10.7.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 133
10.7.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 133
10.8.
Fertiliser production ......................................................................................... 134
10.8.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 134
10.8.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 134
10.8.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 134
10.8.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 135
10.8.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 135
10.8.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 135
10.8.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 135
10.9.
Mont Muambe fluorspar and plant ................................................................... 136
10.9.1.
Location ............................................................................................... 136
10.9.2.
Status ................................................................................................... 136
10.9.3.
Short project description ...................................................................... 136
10.9.4.
Its contribution to the business case.................................................... 136
10.9.5.
Project linkages ................................................................................... 136
10.9.6.
Interventions required .......................................................................... 136
10.9.7.
Project sponsor or principal ................................................................. 137
11.
TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ..................................................................... 139
11.1.
Background ..................................................................................................... 139
11.2.
Current Status ................................................................................................. 141
11.2.1.
Beira ‒ Zambezi Corridor ..................................................................... 141
11.3.
Nacala Corridor ............................................................................................... 145
11.3.1.
Planned Regional Developments ........................................................ 148
11.4.
Local locomotive manufacture ......................................................................... 149
11.5.
Possible barging of coal .................................................................................. 149
12.
ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................................ 151
12.1.
Electrical Network ............................................................................................ 151
12.1.1.
Expansion in Inhambane ..................................................................... 151
12.2.
Electricity Generation ...................................................................................... 151
12.3.
Gas .................................................................................................................. 153
12.4.
Electricity Transmission ................................................................................... 153
12.4.1.
North South AC and DC Transmission ‒ inland backbone .................. 154
12.4.2.
Mozambique ‒ Malawi Interconnection................................................ 154
12.4.3.
Mozambique ‒ Zimbabwe interconnection .......................................... 154
12.4.4.
Revenue Collection .............................................................................. 155
12.4.5.
Conclusion ........................................................................................... 155
13.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ................................................................................ 157
13.1.
14.
14.1.
15.
15.1.
15.2.
15.3.
15.4.
15.5.
15.6.
15.7.
16.
Climate Change ............................................................................................... 157
MINERAL POLICY ............................................................................................... 161
Politics of mineral scarcity ............................................................................... 161
RESULTS OF DISCUSSIONS WITH INTERESTED PARTIES ........................... 165
Transport ......................................................................................................... 165
Pegmatites....................................................................................................... 165
Licensing ......................................................................................................... 165
Corruption ........................................................................................................ 165
New Law .......................................................................................................... 165
Explosives ....................................................................................................... 166
Skills ................................................................................................................ 166
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................... 167
APPENDIX I.
MINERAL PRODUCTION OF MOZAMBIQUE .................................... 180
APPENDIX II.
METHODOLOGY ................................................................................ 181
APPENDIX III.
DIRECT IMPACTS ‒ FLOWSHEETS .................................................. 183
APPENDIX IV.
QUESTIONNAIRE USED .................................................................... 191
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Mozambique – geographical context ....................................................................... 2
Figure 2: The 10 provinces of Mozambique ............................................................................ 3
Figure 3: Area studied in original Mintek report on the Nacala SDI ........................................ 4
Figure 4: Bue Chart of economic freedom in Mozambique 2004-2006................................... 6
Figure 5: Simplified geological map of Malawi indicating mineral deposits........................... 11
Figure 6: Element availability ................................................................................................ 14
Figure 7: Years of extraction until exhaustion: based on current reserve ............................. 15
Figure 8: Super cycles of six base metal prices .................................................................... 16
Figure 9: Conservative coal forecast by RMG (2005$ terms) ............................................... 21
Figure 10: Conservative Iron ore forecast by RMG (2005$ terms) ....................................... 21
Figure 11: Conservative base metals forecast by RMG (2005$ terms) ................................ 22
Figure 12: Coking Coal Supply routes .................................................................................. 34
Figure 13: Seaborne Hard Coking Coal Market 2025 ........................................................... 35
Figure 14: Ncondezi Project locality map .............................................................................. 36
Figure 15: Spatial dynamics of the coal project .................................................................... 39
Figure 16: Synthesis Energy Systems Gasification Technology ........................................... 40
Figure 17: Quality of Benga Hard Coking Coal ..................................................................... 41
Figure 18: LME copper price, 1980-2011.............................................................................. 43
Figure 19: Schematic geological map showing marble occurrences .................................... 45
Figure 20: White dolomite marble member ........................................................................... 46
Figure 21: The Monte Muambe project location.................................................................... 49
Figure 22: Gold deposits in Mozambique .............................................................................. 51
Figure 23: Gold price (2001-2011) ........................................................................................ 52
Figure 24: Global gold demand and gold price 2004-2010) .................................................. 53
Figure 25: Ancuabe Graphite plant ....................................................................................... 62
Figure 26: World crude steel production 1950-2008 ............................................................. 64
Figure 27: World iron ore prices 2001-2010.......................................................................... 64
Figure 28: Baobab holdings on the Tete Complex ................................................................ 67
Figure 29: Price of iron ore .................................................................................................... 68
Figure 30: Palabora Mining Company 240 Mt Magnetite stockpile ....................................... 69
Figure 31: Spatial dynamics of the magnetite project ........................................................... 71
Figure 32: Lithium demand curve .......................................................................................... 73
Figure 33: Spatial dynamics of the nepheline syenite project ............................................... 76
Figure 34: Price for Tantalite of African Origin over the last 5 years..................................... 77
Figure 35: Mineralised zones at the Kanyika deposit............................................................ 78
Figure 36: Power options for the Kanyika project ................................................................. 79
Figure 37: Noventa’s Tantalum holdings in Mozambique ..................................................... 80
Figure 38: Simplified Marropino flowsheet ............................................................................ 82
Figure 39: Theoretical magnetic separation of concentrate .................................................. 82
Figure 40: Idealised cross section of a complex Alto Ligonha pegmatite ............................. 84
Figure 41: Morrua and Marropino Pegmatite/ Tantalum Deposits ........................................ 90
Figure 42: World Phosphate production ................................................................................ 94
Figure 43: Price for phosphate rock over the last 10 years................................................... 94
Figure 44: Phosphate occurrences in Mozambique .............................................................. 96
Figure 45: Lanthanide contraction ....................................................................................... 100
Figure 46: Global rare earth production .............................................................................. 101
Figure 47: Main anomaly in Northern Machinga ................................................................. 102
Figure 48: Mutanga Uranium project................................................................................... 108
Figure 49: Simplified Geology and location of the Zambezi Valley Project ......................... 109
Figure 50: Simplified Geology and location of the Uranium Projects .................................. 110
Figure 51: Movement of Methane in Coal ........................................................................... 112
Figure 52: Coalbed methane recovery ................................................................................ 113
Figure 53: Land usage for coal bed methane production in Western Colorado .................. 114
Figure 54: Plant efficiency versus CO2 output .................................................................... 128
Figure 55: Beira Port – Position of Planned New Coal Terminal ........................................ 140
Figure 56: Beira Port Showing Position of Planned 50ha Coal Terminal ............................ 141
Figure 57: Zambezi Valley Transport System – Main Features .......................................... 143
Figure 58: Beira Corridor, Sena rail system ........................................................................ 144
Figure 59: Nacala Corridor Railway System – CEAR and CDN ......................................... 146
Figure 60: Nacala Short-term development plan - 2020 ..................................................... 146
Figure 61: Mozambique Electricity transmission network, December 2010........................ 152
Figure 62: High Voltage Direct current Line ........................................................................ 154
Figure 63: Cyclone Early Warning System, Mozambique ................................................... 159
Figure 64 : Areas vulnerable to cyclones ............................................................................ 160
Figure 65 : Simplified flowchart of some of the developmental projects discussed ............ 169
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Real GDP growth ...................................................................................................... 2
Table 2: Appropriate Long-term (Equilibrium) Commodity Prices (2005$) ........................... 22
Table 3: Envisaged commodity prices – 3 scenarios ............................................................ 23
Table 4: Individual rare earth oxide prices (99% purity) ........................................................ 23
Table 5: Mont Muande Apatite resource ............................................................................... 32
Table 6: Top ten hard coal producers 2009e ......................................................................... 33
Table 7: Top ten hard coal exporters 2009e .......................................................................... 33
Table 8: Top coal importers 2009e ........................................................................................ 34
Table 9: Tete coal resources ................................................................................................. 34
Table 10: Tete production estimates ..................................................................................... 38
Table 11: Expected Coking coal/steam coal production 2020 .............................................. 38
Table 12: Other possible by-products of the Coal Industry ................................................... 42
Table 13: Significant results from trench MATR001 (main anomaly) – N. Machinga............ 50
Table 14: World graphite 2009 production and reserves ...................................................... 58
Table 15: Graphite resources in the study area .................................................................... 59
Table 16: Scenario parameters for scoping – Tete Iron ore project ...................................... 67
Table 17: World tantalum production – Tantalum content .................................................... 77
Table 18: JORC compliant mineral resource estimates for Kanyika ..................................... 79
Table 19: Mineral localisation in Alto Ligonha zoned pegmatites ......................................... 84
Table 20: Gemstones and mineral specimens found in Mozambican pegmatites ................ 87
Table 21: Past production figures for the potassic pegmatites ............................................. 87
Table 22: Estimated reserves of some pegmatite related minerals in Mozambique ............. 88
Table 23: Reserves# of some sodalithic pegmatites ............................................................. 89
Table 24: Mt Muande indicative tonnages and grades ......................................................... 97
Table 25: Significant results from trench MATR001 - main anomaly – N. Machinga .......... 102
Table 26: JORC compliant reserves and resources under licence to Kenmare ................. 104
Table 27: Resources at Moebase ....................................................................................... 106
Table 28: Reported resources from Malawian deposits – Nacala SDI................................ 106
Table 29: Chirundu project resource ................................................................................... 107
Table 30: Kayelekara JORC (2004) resource ..................................................................... 107
Table 31: Numbers of artisanal miners by province ............................................................ 111
Table 32: Technical selection criteria .................................................................................. 119
Table 33: Risk/Impact matrix ............................................................................................... 119
Table 34: Ranking of projects by technical criteria and risk/economic impact .................... 119
Table 35: Approximate port dimensional requirements for various vessel types ................ 141
Table 36: Port of Beira, Mozambique – as at February 2011 ............................................. 142
Table 37: CCFB Rail ........................................................................................................... 144
Table 38: Port of Nacala, Mozambique ............................................................................... 147
Table 39: CEAR/CDN rail to Nacala ................................................................................... 147
EXECUTIVE SUM M ARY
The purpose of this report is to update projects carried out previously in the area for the
Spatial Development Initiative (SDI) programme by Mintek. Although the project deals with
spatial development initiatives that go beyond the borders of Mozambique, the central focus
of the work is on Mozambique.
Mining only contributed 2% of GDP in Mozambique in the past, however a significant growth
is expected from 2010, since Mozambique’s mineral industry is expected to experience
substantial expansion across a wide range of commodities in the short to medium term.
Work done some years ago on the spatial development initiatives showed that significant
potential existed in Mozambique for mineral development. The rich coal resource was seen
as an opportunity that could be opened through the rebuilding of the Sena rail. The
Mozambican government has been proactive in following through with the proposals put
forward in these reports and the first major projects are now paying off. Favourable mining
legislation, a committed administration and competitive royalty rates has seen government
issuing 1,000 licences for exploration of minerals. 2011 can be seen as a pivotal year. Coal
production will rise to 2 Mtpa and tantalum as well as ilmenite production is expected to
increase and Minister Esperança Bias has been reported as saying that the contribution of
the mining industry to GDP might increase to 12%.
Spatial Development Initiatives (SDIs) are inter-regional economic planning zones based on
geographic associations and usually related to current, or possible, transport routes and
natural geographical features such as river courses. There are three SDIs dealt with in this
report:
The Beira SDI, which relates to the main road and rail link between the Port of Beira and
Harare in Zimbabwe.
The Zambezi SDI, which is located in central Mozambique and is associated with the
course of the Zambezi River. The SDI runs from the coast through the Tete region and
into the Zimbabwe/ Zambia border zone.
The Nacala SDI, which includes the provinces of northern Zambézia and northern
Nampula in Mozambique and eastern Zambia with a branch extending through Malawi.
The Nacala SDI is centred on the rail link from the Nacala port as it extends along an
east-west axis, through Nampula and Cuamba in Mozambique, through Blantyre and
Lilongwe in Malawi, and into southeastern Zambia via the road through Chipata.
Mineral scarcity is a concept, which, in the year 2011, needs close attention from mineral
strategists and policy makers. The need to produce enough food for burgeoning populations
and to maintain standards of living indicates that mineral scarcity lies at the centre of future
social security. Although there is much dissension within the scientific community over the
detail of such mineral scarcity studies, there is little choice but to accept the essential
premise that non-renewable sources are in serious danger of running out of continuous
economic supply – many of them in the foreseeable future (10-20 years).
Over the past ten years, global mineral markets have experienced the longest boom in
mineral commodity prices since World War II. Concerns in mineral scarcity focus on energy
commodities and on certain minor and speciality metals that are key to emerging high-tech
applications and ‘green’ technologies. International concern centres both on the scarcity
itself as well as on the degree to which countries (notably China) are using the situation for
“resource diplomacy”.
In the future world, mineral wealth together with human capital and unspoilt agricultural land
is likely to denote true wealth. However, power will tend to be in the hands of those who
learn the value of minerals early, and control the production of useful products from
minerals. Therefore it is critical, at as early a juncture as possible, to ensure that mineral
i
processing is held together with the mineral resource. “Mineral scarcity is no longer a
trade-issue but an issue of strategic interest.” (Kooroshy et al, 2009).
The current and probable future demand growth pattern means that there is unlikely to be
any major abatement in demand in the lifetime of many deposits in the region and
entrepreneurs can go ahead with developments where current demand is in place, and
where local conditions are favourable. A fundamental change in the world economy, as well
as the slow realisation amongst industrialists and governments of the reality of future mineral
scarcity has set in motion certain price trends in the metals and minerals industry, which will
fundamentally change the perception of mineral development in years to come. There will
probably be a period of increasing prices of commodities in real terms during the next 10-20
years.
In the aftermath of the recession, banks have reassessed their lending criteria, and become
much more cautious about making loans. For the mining sector, this has meant that project
finance is much more difficult to come by and many projects have been put on hold. Mid-tier
companies should as a result rather look towards investors than towards banks for funding,
and reduce the temptation of incurring debt. For the Mozambican mining sector it remains
important that the country is perceived as being investor friendly, since this is a time in which
the investor rather than the bank is seen as vital for project development. Some lenders are
responsive to projects that are seen as state sponsored, or having some state involvement
in feasibility and therefore the Mozambican government may want to consider that some
form of public support for mining ventures might similarly encourage otherwise jittery
investors to invest in the country.
Offtake agreements are becoming commonplace in investor funding agreements. These will
limit Mozambique’s ability to beneficiate commodities, since the export of raw materials may
be a precondition for investing. Although this could lead to rapid early economic
development it carries with it the threats of a resource curse and of low-job economic
growth.
Mozambique has deposits of antimony, apatite, asbestos, bauxite, beryl, bismuth, coal,
copper, dimension stone, feldspar, fluorite, gemstones, graphite, gold, quartz (gem),
gypsum, halite, ilmenite, iron, limestone, lead, lithium, mica, monazite, nepheline syenite,
nickel, niobium, rare earths, rutile, tantalum, uranium, zircon, some of which are
economically important.
The demand for aggregate required for building projects is expected to grow due to the
strong growth in mining activity and may stabilise on a higher level than in the past. Small
bauxite (the major source of alumina), deposits occur in the region; one (Serra de
Moriangane) is being mined and the bauxite exported for the manufacture of refractories and
chemicals. The most promising other deposit in the region is the Mulanje Mountain bauxite
deposit, however due to logistical and environmental issues it is unlikely to be mined.
Although coal will still be well supplied in the world for some time, several countries have
already passed their peak production. World peak production is expected as early as 2030.
Certain coal qualities are already very much in demand and one of these is coking coal.
The Tete region has currently got a coal reserve of 1,340 Mt and this figure is expected to
increase considerably as the level of confidence in more deposits is raised sufficiently
through detailed exploration and production drilling. The resource figure currently stands at
17,503 Mt. Vale expects to produce 11 Mtpa of metallurgical and thermal coal from its
Moatize mine over the next 35 years and will generate some 900 direct jobs at the
production peak. The Benga mine has excellent coking coal and in 2010 there was a 40%
life of mine (LOM) offtake agreement with Tata steel, and a 10% LOM offtake agreement
ii
pending with WISCO, therefore this material is essentially sterilised to local beneficiation.
The Zambeze coal project lies adjacent to the Benga project, which will allow possible
production and administration synergies. The Zambeze project will also be developed
(together with Chinese steelmaker Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation), as a primary exporter
of coking coal. Drilling has identified a JORC compliant steam coal resource of 1.8 bt.
Probable production estimates are shown in the table below (assuming the infrastructure can
cope with these levels of export).
Tete production estimates
Mine/prospect
Moatize
Estimated production kt*
2011
2012
2013
2015
2020
2025
2030
1,000
6,000
11,000
11,000
11,000
11,000
11,000
6,000
2,000
8,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
300
3,000
5,500
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
2,500
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Zambeze
Benga
Ncondezi
Minas Moatize
Total
2035
96
1,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
1,396
9,000
20,500
33,500
48,000
48,000
48,000
43,000
Source: Macdonald, 2011 Macdonald, 2011a, Ncondezi, 2011, Club of Mozambique 2010c, Reuters, 2011, and own estimates
* Assuming Logistics issues can be dealt with.
The major hold on development of the coal export industry in Mozambique is inadequate
infrastructure for export both in terms of rail and port facilities. Several other options are
being looked at to export coal as well as to use steam coal in the production of electricity and
/ or liquid fuels. This report suggests further projects, which can productively use coal in Tete
to produce higher value goods from local mineral commodities. The rail is entirely
inadequate to deal with the quantities being planned by the various mining groups and
therefore if there is to be a successful roll-out of these project it is most likely that local
downstream usage will have to receive serious consideration. Besides coal fired power
plants it may be beneficial to produce coke locally both for the lessening of the load to be
transported as well as for the ancillary industry that can be built around the by-products of
coke ovens. There is a strong likelihood that the Tete magnetites may be mined, and if so,
the local production of iron and steel will not only use a considerable amount of coal (low
quality coal if pulverised coal injection is used), but will also add considerably to the
industrialisation of the region. Although coal liquifaction is an option it is one that will need
time to mature since the amount of coal required is high and the carbon capture and storage
situation in Mozambique is not clear. There is an opportunity in the upcoming amendment of
mining and environmental legislation to remedy this problem.
Coal bed methane (CBM) refers to methane adsorbed onto the solid matrix of some coal
seams. Production of coal bed methane is an alternative mining technique, which can be
used where conventional mining is not feasible because of quality and economic constraints.
The procedure is relatively inexpensive, however, it does have some serious environmental
impacts.
The world copper market is currently strong but the region covered does not have large
copper resources. The Chiduè deposit is a small copper deposit situated 55 km north of
Tete, which hosts copper, silver, gold and nickel mineralization. The Fingoe (Muenguè) iron
skarn deposit, located approximately 35 km southwest of Fingoe in the Tete Province, also
hosts copper, whilst the Mundoguara deposit situated approximately 10 km west of Manica
is a third small deposit. Although these deposits may prove mineable, at this stage they are
not seen as important targets for the region.
iii
Although some 50 kimberlite pipes and dykes occur in the Niassa province, it is unlikely that
they will contain economic diamond deposits.
Mozambique has many rock types suitable for the dimension stone market. However,
transport remains a major issue. As the country is built up and modernised as it will be with
the much greater mining revenues that will be available, government should ensure that
local dimension stone is used so far as possible in the facing of buildings.
Mont Muambe is a medium sized fluorspar resource (1.42 Mt at 75-81% CaF2), which is
currently being investigated for both its fluorspar content as well as its rare earth content. Its
positive relief will allow low cost open cut mining, with the ore will be crushed, milled and
passed through a flotation concentrator to produce acid grade fluorspar, which is likely to be
exported. If the deposit is to be developed, it will require power.
In Mozambique gold occurs in the northern province of Lichinga close to the Tanzanian
border, southwest of Nampula in association with the pegmatite field, in the Zambezi SDI to
the NW of Tete towards the Zambian border and in the Beira SDI towards Zimbabwe. During
the last 10 years the demand for gold and the price have shown significant increases.
Recently the jewellery demand has increased, perhaps showing that the economic downturn
experienced in the previous few years is now over. The gold price is showing signs of further
strengthening and may reach $1,600 per ounce in 2012.
The official gold production (up to 1996) for Manica is 9.8 t, of which 80% was derived from
alluvial placer deposits. However, gold sold on the black market and pre-industrial
production was probably significant. It is likely that a considerable resource remains and it is
estimated at 4 t of lode gold and 19 t of placer gold. The mining of gold by artisanal miners
appears to be inadequately controlled.
The challenge lies in monitoring gold production and in adding value to the gold within the
country. Although the downstream route for gold is not long, it requires less financial support
than most other beneficiation projects and little in the way of transport facilities. The
beneficiation of Mozambique’s gold production will add considerably to the value of exports
and to the provision of jobs for craftsmen.
Graphite is such a fundamental contributor to industry and especially to future power
applications that Agrawal Graphite Industries of India commented “No Graphite, no
industry.” The global recession on the industrial sector had a negative effect on the graphite
market, however the Chinese government continues to discourage exports and graphite is
currently seen as a growth market. The growth of the lithium-ion battery market is expected
to have a significant immediate effect on graphite demand, whilst fuel cells will provide
ample future demand. Graphite deposits occur in seven of the provinces in Mozambique, i.e.
Cabo Delgado, Manica, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete and Zambézia.
In Mozambique, exploitation of graphite dates back to 1911 when mining commenced in the
Angónia district of the Tete Province. Three mines, Metengo-Balame, Mauè and Satèmua,
were in operation until 1955. Ancuabe was the most recent graphite mine producing; it was
in operation until 1999 at which point it was put on care and maintenance chiefly due to the
cost of supplying its own electricity using diesel fuel.
However, Electricidade de
Mozambique included the Ancuabe mine in its Cabo Delgado province rural electrification
project, and this has resparked interest.
Since many graphite deposits tend to be small, it is suggested that local concentration take
place on these deposits before transportation to a central processing point for final
concentration. High value products should then be produced locally.
iv
Recently the world iron and steel market has evolved so that the major importers are in the
east. This bodes well for countries on the eastern seaboard of Africa since they are close to
the new markets that have developed. Prices too have shown a change and have increased
almost two fold in the last ten years. This has a significant impact on the feasibility of iron
ore projects.
The Honde deposit located along the banks of the Honde River, is a medium-sized
sedimentary (banded ironstone formation – BIF) iron deposit. It was investigated in the past
and is estimated to contain some 100 Mt of ore at an average grade of 38% iron.
Mont Muande, which is situated about 25 km northwest of Tete has a resource of 220 Mt of
magnetite and 75 Mt of apatite. Phosphate is considered deleterious in an iron feedstock
and has always been seen as a major drawback of this deposit. During 2006-2007
extensions were found to the Mont Muande project, and considered together with the
adjacent Tete titanomagnetites it is considered to present an interesting opportunity for
future development. These titanomagnetites consist predominantly of intergrown magnetite
and ilmenite, which occurs over a strike length of 8 km in the Massamba area. The
Chitongue Grande prospect, has a 47.7 Mt JORC inferred resource with a head grade of
25.3% Fe, 0.18% V2O5 and 9.69% TiO2, with a possible resource established by
independent interpretation of 400-750 Mt to 250m depth. A mass recovery study has shown
that blending the Chitongue Grande feed with other, high recovery feedstocks would
enhance production. The study also showed that the ilmenite concentrate might then be
further processed to produce a saleable concentrate.
The idea of the Maputo Metallurgical Complex was based largely on sourcing magnetite ore
resources imported from Palabora mine in South Africa for blending with local ore. The
Maputo Metallurgical Complex project may still be a possibility if the Chibuto heavy mineral
sands project goes ahead.
It would be ideal to treat all of the iron ore locally to produce steel. The spatial/geographical
impact of the successful construction and operation of a plant to treat Mont Muande and
Massimba-Singore ores would be significant. It would provide a variety of iron and steel
products in the heart of the Tete district, the availability of which will stimulate significant
industrial growth possibilities, especially since there should be no shortage of power in the
region. Export of high value excess steel products will be by rail, and will essentially be
replacing lower value coal products used in the process.
Kaolin has been produced in the past in the Alto Ligonha pegmatite field but more often
regarded as a waste product. It may be worthwhile to consider a plant to upgrade the clay
minerals of the area.
As the need for and popularity of hybrid and electric cars grows there will be a great need for
lithium, which is used in manufacturing the batteries. Lithium occurs in several small
deposits and attention needs to be given to the lithium potential of the area.
Extensive limestone deposits are developed from Muanza in the south to north of
Inhaminga. There may be possible reserves of several hundred million tons. Mozambique’s
cement consumption increased to about 1 Mt in 2009 and since demand could not be locally
met, cement imports increased. Cement consumption is expected to show strong growth in
the future and reach 1.5 Mtpa by 2015. Several new cement factories are in the pipeline, but
if the nepheline syenite factory to produce cement, alumina, soda ash and potash goes
ahead, Mozambique will easily meet its own cement requirements and will become a net
exporter of cement. Cement kilns burn about 5 t of coal for every 10 t of cement produced.
Production of cement via the nepheline syenite route would also require a major input of
coal, and therefore the production of cement will have the double advantage of direct
v
economic and industrial development benefits, as well as offering a significant local offtake
of lower quality coal.
A successful construction and operation of the nepheline syenite plant near Dona Ana will
open up an industrial hub along the Sena rail route and provide long term growth (> 100
years of resource) to the area as well as making productive use of coal and energy. Taken
together with the proposed development of a steel mill based on iron from Mont Muande,
Singore and Massamba, the cement production will provide the essentials of building a
modern economy. Besides the good revenues that could be earned from this project from
alumina and especially clinker the aspect that has greatest direct developmental potential
relates to the downstream industrial processes that are made possible with the availability of
potash and soda ash. This project would also allow Mozambique to provide “complete” NPK
fertilisers to the market. Viability of the nepheline syenite project remains to be tested with
regard to both ore quality and the availability of sufficient limestone deposits and the
availability of the technology.
Monazite occurs widely in the study area in heavy mineral sand deposits as well as in rare
earth and other deposits. Most commonly it would be seen as a mineral, which may tend to
present environmental threats, however, it is the major ore of thorium and rare earth
elements. It will almost certainly become a major fuel source in the medium term. Thorium
may replace uranium as a nuclear fuel and several countries including China and India are
actively researching this technology.
Tantalum is an important input into a variety of modern equipment from cell phones to
nuclear reactors. Minerals containing tantalum and niobium occur in the Alto Ligonha
pegmatites. Marropino is the only pegmatite in Mozambique currently being exploited for
tantalite on a commercial scale. The US Frank-Dodd financial reform bill requires US
business to “state whether they source ‘conflict minerals’ from both Congo and neighboring
countries” and to “report on steps taken to exclude conflict sources from their supply chains,
backed by independent audits.” This international crackdown on sourcing tantalite from
conflict areas has exacerbated the general scarcity and led to the sharp price rises, since
there is no conflict in Mozambique, it can benefit from the current pricing, and in 2009 it was
the worlds second largest producer. The reopening of Wodgina mine in Australia in January
2011 will stabilise prices.
The Malawian multicommodity (Nb, Ta, U, Zr) Kanyika project may come into production in
2013. The project has a measured resource of 5 Mt niobium (JORC complaint) with an
indicated resource of 18 Mt and an inferred resource of 37 Mt. The lack of power at this
project may hamper its startup and a study into the power supply options for the mine is
underway. This highlights the power distribution challenges experienced in the Spatial
Development Initiatives and indicates the need for detailed temperospatial analysis of the
mining and mineral based development options, their interaction and interconnectivity.
The Marropino mine has sufficient ore for a further three and a half years of operation after
which the crushing and wet concentration plant will be relocated to the Morrua pegmatite,
which is about 40km NW of the Marropino mine. The stockpiles will be processed first,
followed by the hard rock deposit. Pre-concentrate produced at Morrua will be transported to
the plant at Marropino for further beneficiation. Once the Morrua deposit is exhausted, it is
likely that the Mutala will be mined on the same basis. Project life is estimated at 9.3 years.
Phosphates are a primary plant nutrient and are required in increasing quantities for food
security. Global reserves are restricted in the longer term; quality of the phosphate rock left
to mine is decreasing and production costs are rising. There is no substitute for phosphate
and as long as populations grow so will the phosphate industry so that those populations can
vi
be fed. Mozambique has several phosphate deposits (Evate, Cone Negose, Mont Muande
Mont Fema as well as several pegmatites that contain phosphate minerals).
The large Evate deposit is located about 100 km east of Nampula. Apatite concentrations
occur in mineralised zones about 3 km long, 830 m wide and 600 m thick. The project was
considered marginal 10 years ago but the significant increase in the price of phosphate rock
should lead to serious investigation now. It does have the drawback of having a relatively
high chlorine content that will increase production costs – but this has been known for some
time and factored into previous costing.
The Mont Muande deposit has been intensively studied both to better understand the
resource and to test whether the phosphates and iron can be separated. It has been shown
that it is feasible to do so and further testing piloting is required.
The Tundulu prospect in Malawi contains some 1.9 Mt ore to a depth of 50 m with a P2O5
content of 15-20%. The Dorowa phosphate mine is an opencut mine located in the Buhera
District along the tarmac road from Nyazura to Murambinda. The ore is milled and put
through a flotation plant to produce phosphate concentrate. Dried concentrates are sent to
the railhead at Nyazura some 65 km away by road and then railed to ZimPhos for
processing.
Phosphates should be further processed locally for the local and export markets, however
local usage of phosphate rock directly or with simple modification can already give
significantly improved crops.
“Rare earths” comprise a group of 17 metals, 15 of which make up the lanthanide series.
Various rare earth elements are essential components in many modern technologies
including cellphones, LCD televisions and electric car motors. Rare earth minerals occur in
the Alto Ligonha pegmatites, where they were mined intermittently until 1974.
Situated about 90 km north of Blantyre, the Kangankunde strontium/monazite deposit is an
intrusive carbonatite pipe. One of the important features of this project is that the tailings of
the strontianite/rare earths plant can be further beneficiated to provide feedstock for
agricultural lime (and or hydrated lime) manufacture and phosphate fertilisers. The deposit is
situated in an area with good infrastructure but water availability may present a problem.
The Machinga rare-earths project in Malawi has been reported to have multi-metal
mineralization rare earth-niobium-tantalum at surface. The rare earth mineralization includes
elevated heavy rare earths such as dysprosium, thulium and ytterbium
Although the silver content is important in some gold mines and will sweeten the deposits.
There are at present no significant silver deposits in the study area.
Mozambique has amongst the largest heavy mineral sands deposits in the world. Kenmare
has brought the first of the possible projects into production but there are others along the
coast and in the Nacala SDI in Southern Malawi. Chibuto (outside of the SDIs covered here)
is the world’s largest deposit of titanium-bearing sand. The titanium market is currently in a
state of oversupply, but it is likely that this will be balanced by 2012 and move into
undersupply by 2015. Therefore, although it is unlikely that international markets could
absorb output either the Moebase mine or even less so the Corridor Sands mine in the very
near future, the prospect within 3-5 years looks much more positive.
Rutile, ilmenite and zircon prices are expected to rise significantly before peaking in late
2012-2013. Kenmare Resources’ Moma titanium project is expecting to expand operations,
to meet the expected increase in demand. Kenmare has a resource including 150 Mt
ilmenite, 10 Mt zircon and 3.3 Mt rutile. Moma plans to develop into the world’s third largest
vii
single mine ilmenite producer with a long term output of 1.2 Mtpa ilmenite. It is likely that the
Moebase prospect will be the next project to be developed with the Malawian deposits and
the Chibuto deposit following once demand has driven the price up.
Downstream opportunities from heavy mineral sands mining including zircon beneficiation,
the production of titanium slag and high purity pig iron should be followed through in the
short to medium term with other more adventurous opportunities such as the production of
pigment and of titanium metal being investigated for implementation in the longer term.
Uranium radiometric anomalies that are associated with vanadium bearing graphite schist
occur in the Balama licence area. The largest of the anomalies is about 4 km long and up to
500 m wide. The Mavusi and Castro deposits, which did produce previously, are being reassessed.
The Chirundu, Mutanga and Kariba valley projects are also prospective for uranium, as are
the Dibwe, Kanyemba deposits, all in Zambia.
The Kayelekera uranium deposit is a Karoo sandstone hosted roll-front type deposit, which
has a JORC compliant (300 ppm cut off) resource of more than 26 Mt with a U3O8 content of
more than 19 kt.
Mozambique is committed to encouraging foreign investment in mining, and the current
mining laws support this position. Mining titles and permits are granted on a first-come firstserved basis, taking into account the date of receipt of the respective applications. The
available types of permits and concessions are: reconnaissance licences, exploration
licences, mining concessions, mining certificates and mining passes. Mozambique has
introduced an electronic mining cadastre system that has regularised the process of applying
for mining licences, significantly improving access by foreign investors to its mining industry.
The corporate income tax rate in Mozambique is 35%, with a 50% reduction allowed for
mines for the first ten years of production. Further to this, there are various incentives in
place. Mozambique has set royalties at 3% on all minerals except precious metals (5%),
gemstones (6%) and diamonds (10%).
Due to the long history of mining on the Zambian copperbelt, Zambia has a well-established
legal and service infrastructure for the mining sector. The current mining law was passed in
1995.
Although a great deal of development in the transport sector has been achieved since the
previous reporting 8 years ago there is still a lot to be done. The 575 km rail from Tete to
Beira has been refurbished, but is not yet up to the required standard, whilst the rail link from
Tete to Nacala still needs to be established. The strategic link to the Malawi rail system
through Vila Frontiera, whilst essentially intact besides a 300m section, remains closed.
There is no rail connection to the coalfields south of the Zambezi in the Tete region, and this
will be a development constraint.
The freight throughput in both Beira and Nacala has expanded considerably in the past few
years, with total volumes handled being high enough to attract direct vessel calls. If the coal
development programme proceeds as planned, both ports will see the throughput increase
to more than 10 Mtpa within 3 to 5 years, dominated by coal exports, but including
substantial increases in the importation of mining equipment and consumables.
Dredging at Beira Port is critical and the vessel size that can be accommodated decreases
when maintenance dredging is not carried out. A new coal terminal is to be build upstream of
the current terminal.
viii
Both the Beira and the Nacala Corridor transport systems are constrained in respect of the
maximum future volumes of coal export that can be accommodated – Beira in respect of
vessel size and Nacala in respect of the much longer land distance and consequent higher
operational costs. Although one long-term solution may be to construct a new dedicated
railway and specialised terminal to handle Cape sized vessels, it would be far more
beneficial for Mozambique and the region as a whole for more of the coal to be used locally
in developing an industrialised nation.
Main roads in the Beira corridor are in relatively good condition but need to be maintained
since there is now rapid deterioration, which would be exacerbated by greater traffic
volumes.
In Chapter 9, projects are rated based on an assessment of capital requirements, life of
operation, marketing ease, numbers employed, logistics, electrical power provision,
availability of water and environmental impact. A very basic risk versus impact classification
is also done to classify all projects into one of five risk-impact categories.
The resultant matrix of ranked projects listed the top ten in the following order (best first):
1. Benga Coal Mine
2. Coke plant
3. Coal fed power plant
4. Zambeze coal mine
5. Tete Magnetite – ilmenite – phosphate mining
6. Iron and steel production
7. Ncondezi coal mine
8. Jewellery factory
9. Fertiliser production
10. Zircon beneficiation plant.
It is important to note that the interdependency of these and other projects may be critical
and it would be useful to have an in depth study of such interdependencies together with
possible timing of projects especially in relation to electricity take off and current planning in
mines already producing. There are further projects ranked in the matrix as well as a series
of other possible projects that need further attention. Detailed assessment of the spatial
development initiatives, bringing this all together with other factors of development should be
seen as crucial to the ordered development of the area in the near to medium term.
Chapter 12 contains a discussion of the electrical energy generation and transmission
infrastructure in Mozambique and summarises both the current state of affairs as well as
indicating possible future developments. Interconnections with surrounding states are briefly
discussed. Mozambique’s electricity demand is projected to grow by 11% per annum to
2015. An expected 5.9% decline in natural gas production and a 4.8% planned reduction in
electricity output will lead to pressure on the electricity supply. Although electrical output is
likely to be constrained in the short term, the developments in coal fired power stations;
further hydroelectric development and possible solar energy will mean that in the medium
term electricity will be well supplied in the region.
Climate change may play an important part in mining in the foreseeable future since risk of
extreme weather events may cause the shutdown of production as it did recently due to
floods in Australia. Industrialists will look in future at distributing mineral purchases across
various climatic zones to ensure the best possibility of sustained supply.
In general the environmental issues facing mining in Mozambique are not dissimilar to those
experienced in all mining situations. However, there is concern over the effects of mining on
the water security of some areas especially if methods such as coal bed methane extraction
ix
are considered. In this respect it is important that the environmental law in Mozambique is
reviewed specifically with such mining methods in mind to ensure that there is no major
unseen impact on farming and rural communities.
Mineral scarcity may influence world policy makers to rethink country policies around mineral
resources, resource development and resource control. It is equally advisable that policy
makers in Mozambique consider carefully the way forward, since the non-renewable nature
of mineral resources means that a country has only one opportunity to take the best route in
mineral development. Although it may be unpopular with mining companies it is likely that
the state should take a degree of direct control over the mineral resource development of the
country as do the US, China and Japan. One of the most important aspects of this should be
a moderated level of mining with a well planned developmental approach to the extraction
and local refining of minerals as well as a strong growth strategy to ensure industrialisation
built out of the mineral resource strength.
It is particularly important that Mozambique ensures that it supplies the maximum degree of
knowledge as well as infrastructural support to the minerals industry in order to allow for a
vibrant exploration and mining sector.
Where foreign countries make agreements for mineral access there should be a system in
place that will allow Mozambique to fully replace the lost mineral capital with other forms of
capital. Careful calculation should be done to ensure that in developing its mineral potential
the Mozambican people do not lose their overall capital position in being too keen to pursue
a quick but unsustainable growth path which is not soundly based on an overall national
development.
It is to be expected that in the future, certain scarce minerals may no longer be available on
the open market with equal access to all bidders, but may increasingly be available only to
preferred bidders via long term contracts. For a country like Mozambique, and for mineral
producers in Mozambique, global politics will inevitably enter into the supply relationships
that are established. At this stage, China, India, Brazil and Australia are particularly present
on the regional mining landscape through exploration, ownership or take-off agreements.
Strategic minerals, and the access to them, will continue to be an issue for many countries,
and their decisions to invest in a particular country will be made based on careful
consideration of what they consider strategic. Mineral commodities in Mozambique that
could be considered strategic include steam coal, coking coal, rare earth minerals, flake
graphite, uranium, thorium and lithium.
.
x
1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to update projects carried out previously in the area for the
Spatial Development Initiative (SDI) programme by Mintek. The quality of the work done in
those projects was excellent, whilst the use made in Mozambique of SDI planning is
laudable and the results may be seen in the rapid growth that has occurred within the
infrastructure and mining sectors in Mozambique over the last 10 years.
The project deals with spatial development initiatives that go beyond the borders of
Mozambique, however the central focus of the work will be on deposits within Mozambique.
Mozambique is a moderately sized country (~0,8 million km2) situated on the eastern side of
southern Africa bordered by the Republic of South Africa and Swaziland to the south and
southwest, Zimbabwe to the west, Zambia and Malawi to the northwest and by Tanzania to
the north. To the east it borders the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean with a
2,456 km long coastline and it possesses several good natural harbours. It provides a sea
route to a number of landlocked countries in Central Africa and as such is a critical trade
route for the development of the continent (Figure 1). It has an estimated population of
about 22 million and therefore has a relatively low population density of 27,5 people per km2.
Mozambique’s capital city is Maputo (pop. ~1.1 M), with the other major towns being Beira
and Nampula. It has ports at Maputo, Beira, Quelimane and Nacala.
Mozambique has three lakes (Nyassa, Chiuta and Shirwa), and several large rivers
(Zambezi, Limpopo, Rovuma, Lugenda, Pungwe, Komati and the Save (Sabi)). During
colonial times the Portuguese built a dam to deepen the Limpopo, control its flow, and
provide water for irrigation. Hydroelectric projects were built in the Manica highlands, and in
1974 the Cahora Bassa Dam on the Zambezi was completed.
Mozambique has a diverse, multicultural population with ethnic groups including Makhuwa,
Tsonga, Makonde, Shangaan, Shona, Sena, Ndau, as well as whites, Asians and people of
mixed blood. Religious convictions include: Christian ~40%, Muslim ~20%, traditional African
beliefs ~40%. The official language is Portuguese and various African languages are
spoken. Education levels are low and the adult literacy rate is less than 50%.
Mozambique’s first inhabitants were San hunters and gatherers. Around 100 AD, Bantuspeaking peoples with farming and ironworking skills migrated from the north. Arab traders
arrived centuries before the Portuguese who reached Mozambique in 1498. Mozambique
became independent from Portugal on 25th June, 1975.
Mozambique is a constitutional democracy. The Front for the Liberation of Mozambique
(FRELIMO) has been the ruling political party since independence in 1975. At independence
Mozambique was one of the world’s poorest nations. Mismanagement and civil war from
1977-92 did not help the situation.
In 1994 the country held its first multiparty democratic elections. Joaquim Chissano was
elected President. On October 28, 2009 Mozambique held simultaneous presidential,
legislative, and provincial assembly elections. FRELIMO candidate Armando Guebuza won
75% of the presidential vote.
The region as a whole has a sub-tropical to tropical climate, it is cooler inland and
experiences higher rainfall. The period from October to March is hot and rainy, with most of
the rain falling rain between January and March. The coastal areas experience warm dry
weather from April to September. Soils are generally infertile except along river valleys and
in parts of the Angonia Plateau in Tete Province.
1
Figure 1: Mozambique – geographical context
Mozambique has an estimated GDP per capita of $933 based on purchasing-power-parity
(PPP) per capita GDP (indexmundi 2010). It had a rising trend in GDP growth from 2003
until affected by the world economic crisis in 2007 as can be seen in Table 1.
The country is divided into 10 provinces (Figure 2).
Table 1: Real GDP growth
GDP growth %
Mozambique
1997-2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
9.0
6.5
7.9
8.4
8.7
7.0
6.8
2009#
2010#
4.3
5.2
Source: IMF 2009
# estimated
Mozambique has a diverse economy with services making up 39.7% of GDP with an annual
growth 4.7%, industry producing 31% of GDP; (annual growth 10%) and agriculture
contributing 21% of GDP (annual growth 7.9%). Mining only contributes 2% of GDP,
however these figures will show a significant change in 2010 and 2011, since Mozambique’s
mineral industry is expected to experience substantial growth across a wide range of
commodities (Yager, 2008). Its natural resources include hydroelectric power, water, coal,
natural gas, heavy mineral sands, nepheline syenite, tantalite, graphite, iron ore, limestone,
phosphates, semi-precious stones and arable land.
Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs
service, have improved the government’s ability to attract foreign investment whilst
improving revenue-collection. In spite of these gains, Mozambique remains dependent upon
foreign assistance for much of its annual budget, and the majority of the population remains
below the poverty line.
2
Work done some years ago on the spatial development initiatives showed significant
potential in Mozambique for mineral development. That work showed that one of the first
areas that should be tackled was the rich coal resource. The Mozambican government has
been proactive in following through with the proposals put forward in these reports and the
first major projects are about to start paying off. The government expects the mining sector
to significantly increase its share of GDP during the next few years with the ramp-up in coal
production as well as a planned increase production of heavy minerals and tantalum.
Mining Review (undated) quoted mining Minister Esperança Bias as indicating that the
contribution of the mining industry to GDP might increase from 5% to 12% during the next
year (2011). Coal production will rise to 2 Mtpa and is expected to peak at more than
40 Mtpa. The Minister said that Kenmare Resources expects a significant (15-20%) increase
in production of ilmenite. The government has issued 1,000 licences for exploration of
minerals. Royalty rates are competitive at 3% for coal to 5% (ex refinery) for gold.
Significantly the minister also indicated that the government was committed to improving
infrastructure to support the export plans of mining companies. She added that two thermal
coal plants and a 200 MW hydropower plant would be constructed to power mines in Tete
province.
Media reports in August 2010 indicated that the Government was considering making
alterations to the mining laws to speed up the process and simplify licensing procedures.
There will be a substantial period of consultation before changes are made.
Figure 2: The 10 provinces of Mozambique
3
1.1. Spatial Development Initiatives
Spatial Development Initiatives are inter-regional economic planning zones based on
geographic associations and usually related to current, or possible, transport routes and
natural geographical features such as river courses.
1.1.1. Beira SDI
The Beira corridor spatial development initiative (SDI) relates to the main road and rail link
between the Port of Beira and Harare in Zimbabwe. The area studied in the previous report
connected the Beira corridor SDI to the Zambezi River SDI along the Beira-Sena railway,
and was limited to the area within Mozambique.
1.1.2. Zambezi SDI
The Zambezi River SDI is located in central Mozambique and includes the provinces of Tete,
southwestern Zambézia, northern Manica and northern Sofala. It is associated with the
course of the Zambezi River, which represents a possible transport route. The SDI runs from
the coast through the Tete region and into the Zimbabwe/ Zambia border zone. This area is
rich in natural resources.
1.1.3. Nacala SDI
The Nacala SDI includes the provinces of northern Zambézia and northern Nampula in
Mozambique and eastern Zambia with a branch extending through Malawi. However the
report previously written (Callaghan, 2002b) included only the southern part of Malawi and
was unfinished due to a lack of client funding. The area over which the planned research
took place is shown in Figure 3. The Nacala SDI is centred on the rail link from the Nacala
port as it extends along an east-west axis, through Nampula and Cuamba in Mozambique,
through Blantyre and Lilongwe in Malawi, and into southeastern Zambia via the road through
Chipata.
Figure 3: Area studied in original Mintek report on the Nacala SDI
Source: Callaghan 2002b
4
1.2. Geopolitical environment
Mining is a highly capital intensive and long-term business and as a result mining companies
are very sensitive to risk and especially geopolitical risk. Matimba Khoza is quoted by Feytis
(2010) as saying “The challenge here in Africa is political stability as there is no reasonable
company that can invest into a country with political and economical future uncertainty.” A
sense of stability is not built overnight. It takes years for international companies working
within a country to develop a feeling of certainty. Since Mozambique’s mineral riches have
only recently received the centred attention from the multinationals, one can expect it to be a
few years before they are entirely comfortable to invest without being overly conscious of the
investment being into a third world country. However, interviews of various stakeholders by
Letlapa have shown that, in general, the companies interviewed are satisfied with progress
and with the environment in which they are working. The government can continue to play a
major role by making the country attractive to players in mineral resources business. The
regulatory and political climates have great importance in assessing the attractiveness for
investment in a given country.
Long term political stability is a prerequisite for investment with security of tenure being
uppermost in the minds of potential investors. Consistency of the fiscal regime seems to be
more important than the actual levels of taxation.
The Fraser Institute of Canada produces what is termed indices of economic freedom. Five
categories are assessed, that for Mozambique 2004-2006 is shown in Figure 4 as adjusted
by whythawk.com against the benchmark countries selected as amongst the most
popular emerging market investment destinations (Whythawk.com). The countries making
up the benchmark are: Brazil, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Poland, Russia and Turkey.
The definitions for the data segmentation are as follows:
Size of Government: Expenditures, Taxes and Enterprises: a measure of the levels
of government spending as a share of the total, the extent of the government enterprise
sector, and the marginal tax rates;
Legal Structure and Security of Property Rights: the extent to which a country
protects the individual rights of persons and their rightfully acquired property;
Access to Sound Money: the extent to which a country follows policies and adopts
institutions that lead to low (and stable) rates of inflation and avoids regulations that limit
the ability to use alternative currencies;
Freedom to Trade Internationally: a measure of the restraints that affect international
exchange: tariffs, quotas, hidden administrative restraints, exchange rate and capital
controls;
Regulation of Credit, Labour, and Business: the extent to which government allows
markets to determine prices and refrains from regulatory activities that retard entry into
business and increase the cost of producing products. (Whythawk.com).
Reading the graph:
The benchmark score derives from the basket of benchmark countries and is set as
equal to 1;
A country's scores are presented from 0 to 10;
Any score below 1 is below the benchmark - the closer to 0, the worse it is;
Any score above 1 is above the benchmark - the higher the score, the better.
(Whythawk.com).
Although these international reports are often a misrepresentation of reality, and are taken
from a particular viewpoint, they nevertheless represent the perception of the international
investor. In the latest Fraser Institute document (2010) Mozambique still ranks amongst the
least economically free countries in the world, coming in 121st place out of 141. In the
breakdown the following rankings are given (all out of 141):
5
The size of government involvement: 128,
Legal systems and property rights: 119,
Sound money: 85,
Freedom to trade internationally: 93,
Regulation: 115. In the further breakdown of regulation it is clear that it is labour market
regulation that requires most attention. (Gwartney et al, 2010).
Figure 4: Bue Chart of economic freedom in Mozambique 2004-2006
Source: Whythawk.com
6
2. METHODOLOGY
This project set out to update the information provided in previous reports and to identify
fatal flaws in possible projects as well as to find what the steps are that may advance
projects that are not fundamentally flawed and will probably come to fruition if the
environment is conducive to their development.
In order to be able to derive answers to these questions a desktop study was carried out in
order to find the necessary data. This was put together to form an excel database and a
body of knowledge from which to write this report. The work was done in three phases
leading to three reports – an inception document indicating the level of knowledge at the
beginning of the study, an interim report based on major changes in the world environment
since the previous reports were written and incorporating knowledge derived from interviews
with some interested parties, and this final report.
Such work must of its very nature be somewhat speculative and the suggestions made in the
document are based on the considered opinion of a group of experts in various fields related
to mining.
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8
3. GEOLOGY
Metamorphosed rocks of the polycyclic Mozambique belt underlie much of the area under
consideration, whilst the Zambezi metamorphic belt intersects it and lies in an east-west
zone between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Important also are intrusions of various ages; the
Mesozoic Karoo sediments; and Quaternary sediments carrying heavy mineral deposits.
3.1. Mozambique
Mozambique has a diverse geology, with rocks of Achaean, Proterozoic, Karoo, Mesozoic,
and Cainozoic age (Schlüter, 2006). The older crystalline rocks occur mainly in the north and
comprise gneiss, schist, quartzite and limestone whilst the younger, Tertiary and Quaternary
sediments and volcanic rocks occur in the south.
In the northern part of Mozambique in the Nacala Corridor, mylonitic gneiss, with migmatitic
augen gneiss, leucocratic granite gneiss and leptite occur in the upper part of the Nampula
Supergroup, whilst tonalitic to trondjemitic migmatites with concordant sheets of leucocratic
granite gneisses occur in the lower part. The Lurio Supergroup occurs in the Mugeba Klippe
and Monapo areas and consists of alkaline to calc-alkaline granulites, nepheline syenite,
alkali granite and anorthositic gabbro. The metamorphosed and sheared Cuamba unit
(tonalite and diorite) of the Unango Group occurs in the Nacala corridor in Zambia and into
Malawi and western Mozambique. Intrusions of Precambrian granite occur mainly in Tete
Province and western Zambézia (BGS, 2002). Mafic dykes crosscut the crystalline rocks in
places, especially near Tete and along the Zimbabwean border (Dias and Wilson, 2000).
Mineralised veins and associated alluvial gold deposits occur in the crystalline basin in the
valleys of the Cocone, Metuisse and Namirroe Rivers (Dias and Wilson, 2000).
The Mesozoic, (245-65 My) Chilwa and Kangankunde complexes consist of carbonatites,
syenites, nepheline syenites, pyroxenites, alkaline dyke swarms and agglomerate vents.
Altogether, about seven volcanic necks or ring structures and ten dyke-like bodies have
been located in the Lake Chilwa area.
Sediments and volcanic rocks of Karoo age (180–300 My) crop out in a narrow band along
the western margin of the coastal plain and along the Zambezi. These Karoo age rocks have
tended to fill grabens formed due to east African rifting. The Moatize coal basin comprises a
graben structure approximately 35 km long with an average width of 1 km that was formed in
early to middle Proterozoic times and filled with lower-Karoo aged rocks. Minor occurrences
of Jurassic (135–180 My) sandstones, conglomerates and limestones occur in Lupata,
Nampula and Cabo Delgado Provinces, whilst Cretaceous (70–135 My) sandstones,
calcareous sandstones, clays and carbonates with occasional conglomerate occur southeast
of Tete, as well as along the southwestern border and in a narrow strip along the northeast
coast (BGS, 2002).
Very young (Cainozoic - 1.6–70 My) marine carbonates and sandstones occur in the coastal
region of Cabo Delgado and in large parts of southern Mozambique showing that there has
been a considerable regression of the sea in relatively recent times.
Quaternary sediments consist mainly of unconsolidated sand, clay and limestones as
coastal dunes, river alluvium and lacustrine deposits (BGS, 2002). In Mozambique these
host important heavy mineral deposits.
9
3.2. Zambia
The rocks of Zambia include the Basement Complex and the Muva, Katanga and Karoo
Supergroups. The Karoo strata are overlain by Mesozoic, Tertiary and Quaternary
sediments.
Zambia’s most important mineral export is cobalt, which is produced as a by-product of
copper in the lower Roan Group, Copperbelt Province (outside of the ambit of the SDIs
being considered in this report). Other metal commodities include lead, tin and zinc. A
variety of other commodities occur including mica, talc and gemstones including emeralds,
aquamarines and garnets. Economic coal deposits may be found in the Lower Karoo, and
uranium in the Upper Karoo (Schlüter, 2006).
3.3. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean geology is dominated by the Zimbabwe Craton, which is intruded by the Great
Dyke (an ultramafic/mafic dyke complex). To the south of the craton lies the Limpopo Mobile
Belt, to the northwest is the Magondi Supergroup, to the north the Zambezi Mobile Belt and
to the east is the Mozambique Mobile Belt. The craton is overlain by sedimentary basins of
Proterozoic and Phanerozoic age. Zimbabwe’s main economic mineral products are PGMs,
chromite, gold, nickel and recently diamonds. Asbestos is also economically significant, but
the associated health risks threaten its production. The most important product in the
country’s mining industry is gold. Platinum group metals are also of high importance due to
their occurrence in the Great Dyke. Nickel is the third most important commodity (after gold
and PGMs) in terms of gross value. Zimbabwe also has significant coal reserves. Other
minerals occurring in Zimbabwe include asbestos, vermiculite, graphite, mica, limestone,
and black granite (Schlüter, 2006).
3.4. Malawi
Malawi’s geology is dominated by igneous and metamorphic rocks of the Basement
Complex of Precambrian age; covered in places by younger Cainozoic sediments (Dill,
2007), see Figure 5. The southern limit of the East African Rift Valley extends down through
Malawi (BGS, 2002). The Pre-Mafingi Group consisting of regional metamorphic gneisses
and granulites occurs around Zomba, to the northeast of Blantyre and in the Dedza area
east of Lilongwe.
Malawi’s carbonatite complexes have economic significance, containing rare earth elements,
as well as apatite, barite, strontianite and pyrochlore. Significant commodities occurring in
various parts of the country include uranium, pyrite, pyrrhotite and vermiculite. Coal deposits
occur in the northern part of the country. Other commodities include bauxite, china clay,
corundum, dimension stone, graphite and silicon sand. Exploration for several other
products has also been conducted in recent years, including chromite, copper, gold,
gypsum, nickel, petroleum, rutile and salt (Schlüter, 2006). The British Geological Survey
recently digitised and reproduced the geological map of Malawi. (BGS, 2010) Karoo strata
and Cretaceous igneous and sedimentary rocks cover parts whilst Quaternary and Tertiary
alluvial and colluvial deposits along Lake Malawi may host important heavy mineral deposits.
10
Figure 5: Simplified geological map of Malawi indicating mineral deposits
Source: Dill, 2007
11
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12
4. MINERAL SCARCITY
The concept of energy and mineral scarcity is not new, but the imminence of mineral scarcity
in 2011 is such that it can no longer be ignored. Mineral scarcity is related directly to the
entire value chain, to self-sufficiency (Kooroshy et al 2009) and importantly to the ability of
the world to continue to produce enough food for burgeoning populations. For these reasons
mineral scarcity lies at the centre of future social security and as such needs to become an
area for careful discernment when developing policy.
It was as early as 1956 when M. King Hubbert, a Shell Oil geologist, predicted, with
remarkable accuracy, that oil from the lower 48 states of the USA would peak in around
1969. Hubbert’s accuracy in predicting the peak in American oil production has led many
other theorists to follow in his footsteps, and look at oil, all energy and mineral production
peaks as a way in which to plan for future scenarios and shortfalls. Although there is much
dissension within the scientific community over the detail of such studies, there is little choice
but to accept the essential premise that non-renewable sources are in serious danger of
running out of continuous economic supply – many of them in the foreseeable future (1020 years).
The chief arguments against the urgency of mineral scarcity are:
Technology will save us
Resources are only estimates
Markets will self correct.
All of these arguments have validity. However, technology, even if it can resolve the issues,
will tend to rely on other non-renewable resources that may well be as scarce. Furthermore,
with regard to the mining industry in particular, Heap (2005) argues that technological
innovations have been a long standing feature, with the implication that the moderating
effect that they will have on future cycles will be no more significant than they have been in
the past when high grade resources were far more available.
Resource figures are estimates, this is true, however experts carry out these estimates and
the estimate may be lower or higher than the amounts actually in existence. One of the
arguments often used to indicate that there is no end to mineral availability is that only
around 0.01-0.001% of the total mineral resource in the earth’s crust is mined (Kooroshy et
al 2009). Whilst true, this presents a confusing picture to the non-geologist. The reason why
such a small amount of the resource is tapped is twofold. Firstly, only a very small proportion
of the resource exists in concentrations great enough and shallow enough to be
economically mined – furthermore due to the way in which the term “resource” is defined we
may not (and may never) know if much of the resource is actually present at all. Secondly
and perhaps more importantly, dependent on what is being considered “the total resource”
the term may include the resource of an element widely dispersed in minerals in which the
element is practically inaccessible. This situation, where an element is present in trace
amounts as an impurity in a mineral from which it cannot be readily extracted by an industrial
process, is referred to as the “mineralogical barrier” (Figure 6). Thus the mineral reserve
rather than “resource” or “reserve base” should be the number taken into consideration.
However, the term “reserve”, which relates to minerals currently technically and
economically producible has the problem of changing continually because it is directly
related to such imponderables as the current (or expected future) price of the commodity,
mining conditions, wages, taxation etc. The energy costs of producing metals that are
geologically or geographically less accessible (more remote, deeper, lower grade, less
amenable to processing) may be so great that in a world of restricted energy availability, that
they also become economically inaccessible.
13
Figure 6: Element availability
Source: Kooroshy et al 2009 after Skinner 1976
It is true that markets will self correct, but that means that the resource in question will at
some point be entirely out of reach of the “ordinary” citizen and become a luxury good that
cannot support industry. The Raw Materials Group has the opinion that in fact there is no
foreseeable shortage and surprisingly they attempt to include all economists and geologists
as supporting their view! They state that “today most economists and geologist agree there
are enough reserves of metals to cover future demand.” (RMG 2006).
Over the past ten years global mineral markets have experienced the longest boom in
mineral commodity prices since World War II. Demand has shown unprecedented growth
and supply has struggled to keep pace. Although at first seen as a transitory situation by
world governments, mineral scarcity issues have recently become recognised by
government policy makers and strategists. Concerns in mineral scarcity debates have
tended to focus on energy and on certain minor and speciality metals that are key to
emerging high-tech applications and ‘green’ technologies (Rademaker and Kooroshy 2010).
International concern centres not only on the scarcity itself but equally on the degree to
which countries (notably China) are using the situation for what Rademaker and Kooroshy
(2010) call “resource diplomacy”.
4.1. Definition of scarcity
The difficulty in dealing with the concept of mineral scarcity is that we encounter a situation
where the ultimate recoverable amount is uncertain and the future demand is uncertain.
Thus the actual number of years of continued supply is a figure that is not only uncertain but
changes continually. However there are many estimates (Figure 7) of expected trends, and
rather than trying to avoid the problem because it is not clear, the mineral strategist should
pay increased attention to it, so as to ensure that the best solutions to the problems that
scarcity will bring with it can be found. It is important to realise that the projections in Figure
7 do not take into account new discoveries or changes in consumption (e.g. consumption
reduction, re-use, recycling, substitution). Furthermore, these projections are based on
current reserve figures and since reserves by definition are “currently economically
recoverable” the actual amount of reserve will change both with changes in geological
14
knowledge as well as with market and technological changes. This latter fact has often been
used as a reason to ignore the scarcity debate, but that too misses the point. There is no
doubt that mineral scarcity will have a direct impact on the world in the very near future, and
it is the ability to cope with the changes that it implies that will separate out nations with
foresight. Ideally mineral scarcity should be seen in the context of overall scarcity and
abundance of all goods and services and with insight into the relationship of mineral scarcity
to other factors of production.
Figure 7: Years of extraction until exhaustion: based on current reserve
Source: Kooroshy et al 2009
4.2. Supercycles
A supercycle has been defined as a prolonged period in which commodity prices rise due to
demand driven by major periods of development. Heap (2005) defines a supercycle as “a
prolonged trend (decade or more) rise in real commodity prices, driven by urbanization and
industrialization of a major economy.” Three supercycles have been identified since the late
19th century. The first related to the industrialisation of the USA and stretching from the late
15
1800s to the early 1900s. The second one started during WWII and continued up to 1975
driven by the post war reconstruction in Europe and the industrialisation of Japan. Although
the fundamental price trend of commodities during a supercycle is upwards, markets tend to
be volatile as demand and supply mismatches develop due to the rapid demand changes.
The latest cycle started in 1999. Since then we have seen commodity prices rising steadily
and following the pattern of the beginning of a long-term upward super cycle. The world
economic crisis which developed around a property bubble, greed and bad banking practice
did cause a dip in the longer term trend, but the trend has clearly re-established. This latest
cycle has been driven so far by China, the world's largest country and fastest growing
economy, which is undergoing a period of industrialization and urbanization.
There has been some degree of argument as to whether in fact supercycles occur at all,
and, more pertinently, whether the phase that the world finds itself in currently can be seen
as a supercycle. Cuddington and Jerrett (2008) taking an “agnostic” view have applied
econometric techniques to 6 LME metals based on 150 years of prices. The techniques that they
have used clearly show the existence of supercycles in support of previous authors who have
considered these trends to be evident (see Figure 8). It is interesting to note that the Raw
Materials Group, although admitting that there is merit in the argument of supercycles does not
see an upward sloping base price for metals in the future up to 2025 (RMG, 2006)
Figure 8: Super cycles of six base metal prices
Source: Rademaker and Kooroshy 2010
Whether it is demand or supply that controls the supercycle remains an issue for conjecture
according to Cuddington and Jerrett (2008), who quote Tilton as preferring the idea that the
supercycles are likely to be supply driven (due perhaps to technological breakthroughs
dropping commodity prices), although most commentators indicate that demand is the likely
driver. An interesting point is made in that technological breakthroughs may affect only
individual metals if the technology only eases processing for that metal. However since there is
a high correlation between metals in the supercycles seen in the past, the idea that they are
supply driven due to technological change becomes less likely and this gives more credence to
the hypothesis that supercycles are demand driven.
16
Martin Creamer (2011) reports on an interview with Rio Tinto’s Harry Kenyon Stanley in which
he indicates that global demand will require the mining industry to produce more mineral
commodities in the next 20 years than it has in the last 10,000 years.
4.3. Energy
The realisation throughout the world that oil and other conventional energy mineral
commodities such as coal and uranium are being depleted is beginning to change
perceptions of mineral commodities altogether and is emphasising the non-renewable nature
of minerals. One of the fundamental issues is the very close relationship between mineral
commodities of all types and energy. Fundamentally, the issue is that, the production of
mineral commodities is highly energy dependent and that many of the alternative methods of
harnessing energy are mineral dependent. The interdependence of minerals and energy
presents a set of unique problems when considering the future industry.
It is important that strategists and government planners start now to see the significance of
uranium, thorium, rare earths, platinum etc as “energy elements” and see the special nature
of mineral commodities that can in future be used in the production of energy.
4.4. Food security
The 1996 World Food Summit defined food security as “when all people at all times have
access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”. The concept
includes both the ideas of physical and economic access to food and considers dietary
preference. This concept may be well considered but it is already far from being met in the
world and especially not in Africa. With rapid population growth around the world there are
more than 200 million more people to feed each year.
Agriculture remains the main economic sector in Mozambique at present providing
livelihoods for most Mozambican families. However, only 12% of Mozambique’s 36 M
hectares of arable land is currently being cultivated (USAID, 2011) whilst considerable
poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition are still prevalent.
Food security is dependent on good agricultural and environmental practice and on
adequate addition of soil nutrients to ensure a healthy nutrient rich soil. Besides energy,
carbon, oxygen and hydrogen which plants extract from the sun, the air and water, plants
also require macro and micronutrients especially if high yields are expected in order to feed
burgeoning populations. The macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium,
magnesium, calcium and sulphur whilst the micronutrients are iron, zinc, copper,
manganese, boron and molybdenum. Pertinent to the discussion here is especially nitrogen,
phosphorous and potassium, very important macronutrients which are mineral based.
Potassium can be obtained relatively easily as a slow release fertiliser from rock dust.
Nitrogenous fertilisers are produced chemically from ammonia which is produced
downstream of coal or other hydrocarbons and phosphates are produced primarily from
phosphate rock.
Due to the shortages of phosphates already being experienced and the major shortages
facing humankind in the medium to long term Mórrígan (2010) calls for policy responses to
prepare society for the decline of phosphorous supplies, to promote the efficient use of
phosphorous and to develop phosphorous recycling programmes.
Due to the looming shortage in hydrocarbons, nitrate fertilisers are set to become very
expensive in the future and shortages in phosphates are already on the horizon. However
Mozambique is in an excellent position in that it has good hydrocarbon sources as well as
phosphate deposits. The challenge is to ensure local beneficiation and sale within southern
Africa to ensure food security for the region.
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5. WORLD ECONOMIC CLIMATE
5.1. Introduction
In the future world, mineral wealth together with human capital and unspoilt agricultural land
is likely to denote true wealth. However, power will tend to be in the hands of those who
learn early the value of minerals and control the production of useful products from minerals.
Therefore it is critical at as early a juncture as possible to ensure that mineral processing is
held together with the mineral resource. It is important to note that this view will NOT be
popular with developed countries that currently hold the bulk of refining and manufacturing
ability, and therefore will not assist in obtaining financing from those countries to develop the
refining and processing ability at source. Kooroshy and others (2009) state: “The control of
the supply of scarce minerals is in the hands of a few countries and companies. Faced with
the prospect of increasing demand and tightening supply of minerals used in critical
applications, access to scarce minerals and stockpiles are increasingly framed as issues of
vital interest or national security. Some countries are pursuing mineral policies aimed at
preventing or mitigating mineral scarcity. The US, China and Japan pursue mineral policies
that secure supplies, assuming growing scarcity and economic disruption when supplies
dwindle. These policies may create their own dynamic, distorting free market dynamics and
tightening supply. Mineral scarcity is no longer a trade-issue but an issue of strategic
interest.” (my emphasis).
The problems of mineral scarcity are not the only ones facing the industry. Tony Ottaviano,
BHP Billiton’s vice president for planning is reported to have stressed a series of difficulties
which are placing pressure on the delivery of iron ore projects around the world.
Mozambique may escape some of these but certainly not all. Capital costs have escalated
since the global financial crisis, as business tries to build in a financial safety factor. There
are global shortages of skilled labour and this will inevitably lead to higher costs. Ottaviano is
reported to have specifically mentioned the level of political risk in Africa, which he said
would be supplying more than 25% of the world’s iron ore by 2025 (Swanepoel, 2011).
5.2. Demand
Demand for mineral resources in the past has been closely related to industrial development
and the urbanisation of populations in Europe, the USA, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
The chief reason appears to be the demand for metals in building the infrastructure of a
modern economy. After the industrialisation of the economy is achieved metal demand per
capita decreases rapidly, but still remains higher than that seen in undeveloped rural
economies. China is clearly undergoing the same fundamental change of rapid
industrialisation and urbanisation at present and there are indications that India may also be
beginning its slow move to a highly urbanised and industrialised country. Chinese metal
demand grew at 10% per annum from 1990-2006 (RMG, 2006) and has accelerated to 17%
per annum since 2004 (Kooroshy et al 2009). In the 2005-2006 year China became the
single most important user of most metals and accounted for over 70% of the global metals
growth (RMG, 2006, Kooroshy et al 2009). After the recent earthquake and tsunami
devastation in Japan there will be extra demands on the market that are not fully clarified yet
but certainly the demand for certain metals and notably vanadium, copper and possibly
niobium and molybdenum are expected to increase worldwide.
It is important to understand that besides the demand growth from the infrastructural
development required during urbanisation and industrialisation, the individual demand of
citizens increases as they become more affluent (white goods, vehicles, etc). Once basic
necessities are met at a family income of some $5,000 per annum, the demand levels for
metal rich goods rapidly increases. In Asia demographic projections indicate that some 250750 million families will pass this threshold between 2000 and 2020. Although China is still
19
struggling with poor infrastructure and highly congested roads, it passed America as the
largest consumer of new motorcars in 2010 with sales of an estimated 17.5-18 million
vehicles (Waldmeir, 2011) and this figure is broadly expected to pass 20 million in 2011. The
growth phase in China is likely to continue for at least another 10 years whilst that of India is
close behind. Africa too has a billion poor people who will want to move out of their current
state of poverty and equally have a right to a better standard of living. In essence barring
major tragedy (and here the aftermath of the Japan earthquakes and tsunami should not be
discounted), the current phase of intense growth is expected to continue (with modification
by normal business cycles) for thirty years or more. For the Mozambican minerals industry
this means that there is unlikely to be any major abatement in demand in the lifetime of
many deposits and entrepreneurs can go ahead with developments where current demand
is in place, and where local conditions are favourable.
5.3. Supply
Commodity supply is largely dependent on known reserves and the ability to optimise the
mining, beneficiation and movement of the metals from source to point of demand. In times
of expanding demand, lead times become critical and can result in wild price fluctuations, as
supply is temporarily unable to meet demand. Poor lead times can also result in substitution
where this is feasible. In the past the easy-to-mine deposits have been exploited. As
demand increases, supply will have to rely more and more on lower grade, deeper and more
geographically inaccessible deposits. All of these will increase the energy cost of mining and
extraction of the useful metals from the ores. As the cost of energy increases geometrically
the cost of mining will therefore increase at an even greater rate.
5.4. Commodity Prices
A fundamental change in the world economy, as well as the slow realisation amongst
industrialists and governments of the reality of future mineral scarcity has set in motion
certain price trends in the metals and minerals industry that will fundamentally change the
perception of mineral development in years to come. Real commodity prices tend to show
long-term downtrends. However, the emerging supercycle combined with the imminent peak
production for some commodities being reached is likely to mean that there will be a period
of increasing prices of commodities in real terms during the next 10-20 years. Heap (2005)
suggested that project evaluators should use higher equilibrium prices than had been used
in the recent past. He indicates that whilst average margins are likely to remain constant,
increasing demand growth will be met by higher cost of production and longer lead times,
which will result in higher prices and extended periods of market tightness which is likely to
lead to a high level of volatility in pricing.
Heap’s (2005) equilibrium pricing list is shown in Table 2. His methodology in determining
these proposed equilibrium prices is counter-tradition in that he attempts to foresee the
influence of existing production capacity, where costs are already largely depreciated as well
as taking consideration of the fact that mining operations rarely return their cost of capital.
Whenever considering the future pricing of mineral commodities it is important to realize that
these prices are highly variable and may be affected greatly by such issues as flooding (as
recently experienced in Australia), transport breakdowns, workers strikes, and even simply
political comment that can lead to market uncertainty. However, making broad estimates is a
requirement for the development of mining business and essential for the understanding of
the scenario in which further research into the development of spatial initiatives in
Mozambique is set. RMG (2006) gives a set of forecasts (Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11) that
can be used in comparison with others such as those by Heap 2005 (Table 2). A summary of
the RMG forecasts is shown in Table 3.
20
Figure 9: Conservative coal forecast by RMG (2005$ terms)
Source: RMG 2006
Figure 10: Conservative Iron ore forecast by RMG (2005$ terms)
Source: RMG 2006
Certain rare earth oxides are very much in demand because of their use in modern
technology such as computers, mobile phones and television sets and especially in green
technologies such as hybrid vehicles. Globe (2010) listed a set of prices based on the late
2009-early 2010 market and these are reproduced in Table 4.
21
Figure 11: Conservative base metals forecast by RMG (2005$ terms)
Source: RMG 2006
Table 2: Appropriate Long-term (Equilibrium) Commodity Prices (2005$)
Commodity
Value unit
Equilibrium
Value
Value unit
Equilibrium
Value
Aluminium
$/lb
0.70
$/t
1543
Coal, Coking
$/t
62
$/t
62
Coal, Thermal
$/t
33
$/t
33
Copper
$/lb
0.95
$/t
2094
$/mtu
0.45
$/mtu
0.45
Lead
$/lb
0.27
$/t
595
Nickel
$/lb
3.50
$/t
7716
Oil
$/bbl
28
$/bbl
28
$/lb
0.50
$/t
1102
Iron ore (lump)
Zinc
Source : Heap 2005
Both Heap (2005) and RMG (2006) have projected values that do not show a fundamental
change due to the expected levels of mineral scarcity in the future. In the case of the Raw
Materials Group prediction, this is to be expected since they do not see any fundamental
scarcity of minerals in years to come.
5.5. Financing
The recent economic recession was a banking crisis, which came into being as a result of
excessive numbers of loans being granted on over-optimistic terms to the lower-income
sectors in the US. As interest rates rose, housing prices fell, repayments became difficult,
and foreclosures became commonplace. The high-risk loans that had been granted and
22
could not be repaid resulted in large financial institutions being distressed and many suffered
from the possibility of collapse without the support of governments (Wikipedia 2010).
Table 3: Envisaged commodity prices – 3 scenarios
Pessimistic
Conservative
Commodity
Units
2006
2010
2020
2025
Coal, Coking
US$/t
111
57
55
Coal, Thermal
US$/t
51
34
Copper
US$/t
7379
Iron ore fines
US$/mtu
Iron ore lump
Optimistic
2010
2010
2025
2010
56
77
73
2020
2025
73
96
91
33
33
45
90
43
43
56
53
2027
1875
1885
53
2703
2500
2490
4793
4549
0.71
0.45
0.43
4490
0.44
0.54
0.52
0.52
0.63
0.60
US$/mtu
0.91
0.57
0.59
0.55
0.56
0.69
0.66
0.66
0.80
0.76
0.75
Iron ore pellets
US$/mtu
1.13
Lead
US$/t
1383
0.94
0.91
0.89
1.04
0.92
88
1.19
1.06
1.03
507
485
488
676
647
644
898
853
Zinc
US$/t
3261
842
1014
970
975
1351
1293
1289
2118
2011
1984
Source: Raw Material Group 2006. Prices at 2005 terms assuming 2-3% inflation
Table 4: Individual rare earth oxide prices (99% purity)
Rare Earth Oxide
Grouping
¹Lanthanum Oxide – La2O3
³Cerium Oxide – CeO2
¹Praseodymium Oxide – Pr2O3
¹Neodymium Oxide – Nd2O3
¹Samarium Oxide – Sm2O3
³Europium Oxide – Eu2O3
²Gadolinium Oxide – Gd2O3
¹Terbium Oxide – Tb2O3
³Dysprosium Oxide - Dy2O3
²Holmium Oxide – Ho2O3
²Erbium Oxide – Er2O3
²Thulium Oxide - Tm2O3
²Ytterbium Oxide – Yb2O3
²Lutetium Oxide – Lu2O3
²Yttrium Oxide – Y2O3
Light
Light
Light
Light
Light
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
Heavy
$/kg
6.30
5.85
28.60
26.70
3.40
524.00
7.86
490.00
197.50
25.38
25.50
790.00
155.30
238.00
10.01
Source: Global 2010:
¹Sourced from Lynas Corporation, February 2010;
²Sourced from Stans Energy Corporation, December 2009;
³Sourced from www.asianmetal.com – spot prices, April 2010
In the aftermath of the recession, banks have reassessed their lending criteria, and become
much more cautious about making loans. For the mining sector, this has meant that project
finance is much more difficult to come by and many projects have been put on hold (Smit,
2009). Mining companies had been too eager to accumulate debt before the recession and
were unaccustomed to the fiscal discipline that was required in the recession period and that
continues to be required.
The banking crisis and its aftermath may present difficulties for Mozambican projects since
considerable amounts of money will be required to bring mega-projects into being (Smit
2009, Candy 2011). Where companies have not accumulated significant quantities of debt
they will be in demand by investors who are now particularly wary of debt-laden companies,
and these investors may be a good source of a level of development funding that banks are
unwilling (or unable) to provide. Ives (George Media Network 2011) notes that mid-tier
companies should rather look towards investors than towards banks for funding, and reduce
the temptation of incurring debt. While this may lead to a dilution of equity, it will result in
mining companies remaining in existence in the long term. For the Mozambican mining
23
sector it remains important that the country is perceived as being investor friendly, since this
is a time in which the investor rather than the bank is seen as vital for project development.
What is interesting is that some regions have shown that lenders remain responsive to
projects that are seen as state sponsored, or having some state involvement in feasibility
studies (Plastemart 2011). The Mozambican government might want to consider that some
form of public support for mining ventures might similarly encourage otherwise jittery
investors to invest in the country.
Otherwise, the credit crisis may actually assist in developing Mozambican greenfields
projects. This is because, during the pre-recession period, easy access to funding had made
it easy to acquire assets rather than grow organically. This resulted in “a churn of existing
projects” rather than the development of new projects (Nedbank Capital mining and
resources co-head Mark Tyler, quoted in Candy 2011). Since many of Mozambique’s
projects are in the very early stages of development, this emphasis on exploration and
greenfields projects may assist Mozambique to attract investors.
However, it is often noted that offtake agreements are becoming commonplace in investor
funding agreements. These offtake agreements will limit Mozambique’s ability to beneficiate
commodities, since the export of raw materials may be a precondition for investing. Although
this could lead to rapid early economic development it carries with it the threats of a resource
curse and of low-job economic growth similar to that seen in South Africa.
In addition, since investor funds are more readily available in the East at present, with
Europe and the US still attempting to recover to their pre-recession growth levels,
Mozambique may find that many of the mining companies who express an interest in
projects will be from Asia. This suggests that an active engagement and an attempt to
understand these culturally-different firms’ expectations of mining within Mozambique may
be required. This also suggests that any government-sponsored roadshows that attempt to
attract investment should probably focus primarily on this region and on listed companies
that are perhaps listed on the Australian, Singapore, Bombay or Hong Kong stock
exchanges.
24
6. MINERAL DEPOSITS
The Manica Belt in Mozambique contains gold, copper, asbestos, lead, iron, nickel and
bauxite. The Gairezi and Umkondo Groups contain iron, copper and limestone. Pegmatites
in the Zambézia and Nampula Provinces boast minor metals, gemstones, beryl, mica,
feldspar and radioactive minerals, notably niobium and tantalum. Alluvial gold deposits are
also found in this region. In northeastern Mozambique, pegmatites contain tantalum, along
with columbium, antimony, bismuth, lithium minerals, quartz and beryl. Coal deposits may be
found in the lower Karoo Supergroup. Ilmenite, rutile, monazite and zircon are found in
dunes and beach sands as heavy mineral deposits (Schlüter, 2006).
Mozambique plays a significant role in world aluminium (production not mining), and
ilmenite, tantalum and zircon mining (Yager, 2008). Other mineral commodities found in
Mozambique include asbestos, coal, graphite, fluorite, bauxite, limestone, nepheline syenite,
halite and gypsum (Schlüter, 2006).
A World Bank study identified four main constraints on the mining sector of Mozambique:
1. Insufficient geological information;
2. Inadequate legal and regulatory frameworks (especially regarding land tenure);
3. Lack of capacity of government institutions in the sector; and
4. Poor infrastructure.
In 2004 the Nordic Development Fund, together with the World Bank and the African
Development Bank (AfDB), agreed to finance the geological mapping of Mozambique.
Contracts were awarded and the work started, unfortunately the information resulting from
this is not easily available. Overall regulatory responsibility for mining rests with the Ministry
of Mineral Resources and Energy. The Direccao Nacional de Minas (National Directorate of
Mines) carries out administration and licensing. The mining taxation regime dates from 1994.
In 2002 new legislation was introduced providing guarantees to owners of mining
concessions, granting rights to artisanal miners, and consolidating ad hoc incentive schemes
into a new fiscal regime for foreign investments.
The previous reports done by Mintek considered the following projects to be of particular
interest:
Moatize Coal
Thermal power station (for take-off of steam coal)
Chemical industry
Chibuto titanium
Production of titanium slag
Production of pig iron
Cheringoma plateau limestones (e.g.Muerédzi or Muanza)
Cement factory
Moma
Production of titanium slag
Mont Muande iron (prefeasibility)
Production of steel billet
Nepheline syenite
Clinker
Alumina
Glass and ceramics industry
Hard rock and alluvial gold mining (esp. Revué River)
Mont Muambe fluorspar
Evate Apatite (Monapo Structure)
25
Heavy mineral sands near Moma-Congolone (Kenmare Resources):
Mulanje Mountain bauxite
Whilst the following were considered to be potential opportunities:
Morianga bauxite deposit which is already in production for refractory grade bauxite
High grade graphite deposits especially in the Satèmua area
Chidue copper
Apatite especially at Mont Muande
Dimension stone throughout the area but especially in the Tete province
Estima dumortierite deposit
Morrua and Marropino niobium and tantalum
The Alto Lingonha pegmatite belt
Gold in alluvial deposits and quartz veins
Kaolin and graphite
Rare earths from the Chilwa alkaline complex, Kangankunde Hill complex and Monkey
Bay
Titanium (Heavy mineral sands) at Salima, Monkey Bay, Unga Lake Chilwa and Tengani
Various gemstone deposits from the Zomba plateau and Likudzi
6.1. Aggregate
Aggregate in general is widely available inland in Mozambique, especially from the felsic
volcanic rocks (rhyolites) since these are generally more stable than the more basic lava
varieties such as andesites and basalts. Sand and gravel is available mainly along rivers and
at the coast. Consumption is expected to increase significantly due to the increase in mining
activity and consequent rail and road construction and improvement. This consumption
pattern should remain high if Mozambique is able to ensure that the advantages of the
mining (inputs, sidestream and downstream industries) are fully utilised.
The majority of active stone quarries are located around Maputo (outside of the study area)
where requirements are the highest and mostly comprise rhyolite deposits.
In the Beira SDI aggregate is quarried in several places between Chimoio and Manica.
Ballast and aggregates for the rehabilitation of railway lines and roads are quarried at Xiluvo
with the aggregate being loaded directly onto railway wagons in the village of Xiluvo. In 2006
aggregate production amounted to 1,178,997 m3 (Lehto and Gonçalves, 2008).
Conclusion
This industry provides aggregate as required to building projects. It is expected to grow due
to the strong growth in mining activity and may stabilise on a higher level than in the past.
Aggregate is a low cost material and is quarried as close to the usage site as possible,
however the industry in Mozambique is constrained by the high transport costs due to
insufficient availability of rail and road networks as well as poor maintenance of those that do
exist.
6.2. Aluminium minerals
6.2.1. Reserves and resources
Occurrences of lateritic bauxite occur in a variety of areas covered in this study and especially in
association with high altitude areas (over 1600 m above sea level) and due chiefly to
alteration of alkaline rocks. In Mozambique bauxite occurs in the mountain in the Sierra de
Snut Moriangane, Sierra Vumba in the area of Chimanimani-Rotanda, Sierra Suir (Zuira)
and around Catandica in Manica Province (Lächelt, 2004), whilst a significant deposit occurs
at Mont Mulanje in Malawi. In the Zambezi Corridor, bauxite occurs at Mont Salambidua in
26
the Tete Province, and Mont Mauzo, Mont Derre (associated with nepheline syenite) and
others in the Zambézia Province.
Four bauxite ore types are to be found in Mozambique. They are: white saprolitic bauxite,
light brown saprolitic bauxite, brown ferruginous, saprolitic bauxite and white kaolinitic clay
with concretionary white bauxite. A resource estimate for bauxite in Mozambique as a whole
is 6.13 Mt (Callaghan, 2002a).
Currently only the Morianga deposit is being exploited. Besides this and Mont Mulanje, deposits
are generally of adequate grade, they are small and are unlikely to be viable at a meaningful
scale to make a significant contribution to the region. The nepheline syenite intrusions in
Zambezia province, such as Mount Mauzer, Cargo, Sierra Tundo, Derre and others may be
capped with bauxite and of these Mount Mauzer represents the best known deposit (Lächelt,
2004).
6.2.2. Market
Bauxite (>45% Al2O3) is the major source of alumina (Al2O3) with about 85% of bauxite mined
going into the production of aluminium metal. Nepheline syenites present a secondary
source used by the Russian company RUSAL with their minimal waste technology. Bauxite
is also used for refractories (5%), abrasives (4%), cement production (3%), chemicals &
steelmaking (2% each), and welding.
Production of aluminium metal from bauxite is a two stage process with alumina being
extracted from bauxite in a refining process. The alumina is often then exported to a locality
with cheaper electricity (since breaking the Al-O bond is an energy intensive step) before
being smelted to produce aluminium metal.
Because the industry is so capital intensive, and due to a series of buy-outs and
consolidations, it is dominated today by a few large, vertically-integrated companies. Alcoa,
Chalco, Alcan, RUSAL and BHP Billiton made up about 60% of the 68 Mt alumina
production in 2006 (GAC, 2011).
Actual alumina sales are usually priced at a percentage of more liquid and transparent
aluminium price quoted on the London Metal Exchange (LME) (GAC, 2011). Typical
contract would be in the order of 12,5% (give or take a percent) of the LME aluminium price,
whilst spot prices, as can be expected would be much more volatile. More recently prices
have increased and pricing today is at the high end of historical prices (GAC, 2011).
Historically, alumina supply and demand has been balanced. Some 1.95 t of alumina is
required to produce a tonne of aluminium. The annual production capacity of aluminium is 38
Mt and that of metallurgical grade alumina 75 Mt. However, recently, due to Chinese
demand alumina has been in short supply (GAC, 2011).
At the beginning of 2008 there was a market shortfall, but that was corrected with the
economic crisis, which resulted in a significantly reduced demand and concomitant fall in
aluminium price. Although some alumina refineries have reduced production or closed down,
production has temporarily outstripped demand resulting in the current oversupply of
aluminium. With the excess production capacity waiting in the wings for demand to pick up,
there is no direct indication that new production in the short term will be particularly
beneficial. China already consumes more than a quarter of the worlds aluminium production
and by 2020 demand should be well ahead of current supply capacity, therefore any planned
new capacity should be looking to coming on line in the medium rather than the short term.
LME stocks of aluminium have continued to rise and by mid February 2011 they were
reported to be almost 4.6 Mt, nevertheless prices have been strong and ended January at
27
$2,520 per tonne. (Reuters, 2011). This price is more than double that in Callaghan 2002b
where a price of $1 337/t was given.
Production
The production of bauxite in Mozambique over the period 1996-2006 is given in Appendix I.
In 2006 the production was 11,07 kt.
6.2.3. Properties and applications
Bauxite is used chiefly (>85%) for the production of alumina of which the majority (>85%)
goes into aluminium metal. Bauxite is also used in the manufacture of chemical, abrasives,
refractories and cement, whilst alumina is also used for abrasives, refractories, pigments,
etc.
Aluminium sulphate produced from bauxite is very important for water treatment, whilst
aluminium hydrate has a variety of uses in the plastics, glass and ceramics industries, as
well as for the waterproofing of concrete (Mintek, 1986).
6.2.4. Substitutes
Aluminium is common in the earth’s crust and therefore many materials may be a substitute
for bauxite as the prime source of alumina including such diverse options as nepheline
syenite, clay, alunite, mica, anorthosite and even some coal wastes. Bray (2010) points out
that although it would require the use of different technology, alumina from alternative
sources could satisfy demand for aluminium metal, refractories, aluminium chemicals, and
abrasives. Furthermore he indicates that kyanite and sillimanite, used to produce synthetic
mullite can substitute for bauxite-based refractories. Bauxite-based abrasives can be
substituted if required with silicon carbide and alumina-zirconia although these will be more
costly to produce (Bray, 2010).
6.2.5. Deposits
6.2.5.1. Serra de Moriangane (Beira SDI)
The only deposit that is in production in Mozambique is the Serra de Moriangane deposit in
Manica province on the Zimbabwean border. The bauxite overlies a hornblende syenite
intrusion and is made up by a number of lenticular bodies with limited lateral extent that are
up to 20m thick (Callaghan 2002a)
The deposit was first mined in 1938 but operations ceased in about 1975 and were resumed
in 1985. Production at the mine has been small, from 2 to 12 ktpa. Two grades (high and
low iron content) are produced and the product is used for refractories and for the production
of aluminium sulphate. Quality is good with an Al2O3 content of >55%. The deposit has a
resource of about 1.8 Mt.
Mining
The mine is operational and since it is not envisaged that there will be much change from the
current operation any further assessment of the mine would be of academic interest only.
Transport Logistics
The mine has restricted access only across the border into Zimbabwe. It is currently
adequate for the needs of the operation.
6.2.5.2. Mulanje Mountain Bauxite deposit (Nacala SDI)
Peneplanation and fluvial incision accompanied by intense tropical chemical weathering (Dill,
2007) of the syeno-granitic rocks of the Mulanje massif has lead to the formation of the
28
residual Mulanje Mountain bauxite deposit. The deposit is situated on the southwestern part
of the Mulanje Mountain, which lies close to the eastern African Rift Valley. It consists of six
lenses on a plateau at an elevation between 1,800 – 2,000 m, with the most prospective
deposit on the Lichenya plateau. The bauxite occurs as disseminated lenses on crests or
between river valleys over an area of 2,150 ha, and comprises mainly trihydrate gibbsite with
quartz and goethite being the main contaminants (Callaghan, 2002b).
The existence of a bauxite resource at Mont Mulanje has been known since around 1924
and has been explored by the Anglo American Corporation (1934), the British Aluminium
Company (1951 - 1958) and Lonrho (1969 – 1972) and Met-Chem (1993). Lonrho estimated
resources of 28 Mt grading 43.9% Al2O3. Met-Chem estimated 25.5 Mt at 43.3% Al2O3 as
probable reserves and indicated resources (Callaghan, 2002b).
Project
The mining of the Mulanje bauxite was presented as a possible project in the Nacala SDI
study (Callaghan, 2002b). Back-hoe hydraulic excavators and articulated trucks were
suggested to deliver ore to an aerial tramway system which would in turn transport it to an
alumina refinery on the plain. All men and equipment were planned to be transported to the
mine site by a parallel aerial tramway, as the construction of a roadway (other than a service
road for the tramway) was considered impracticable and undesirable from an environmental
viewpoint (Callaghan, 2002b).
The operation would start with topsoil removal and stockpiling for later replacement;
breaking and stacking the ore using a dozer, loading and hauling, and rehabilitating. The
orebody was given in Callaghan (2002b) as 4 – 5 m thick. Mining was envisaged to begin
close to the aerial tramway loading point and progress away to other areas. A bauxite
production rate of 580 ktpa (dry basis) to produce 200 ktpa of alumina was used. The cost
components of the mine were estimated at $4,58 per ore tonne operating cost and $22 M in
capital. A revision in mining costs in Callaghan (2002b) suggests that the previously
calculated costs were conservative. Energy, the major cost in the production of Al2O3,
accounting for nearly half of the operating cost (Callaghan, 2002b). Mintek reassessed the
economics of the mine based on 2002 $ prices and substituting the bulk of the imported fuel
oil with locally produced coal.
The MET-Chem study looked at mining and an integrated alumina / aluminium plant showed
an internal rate of return (IRR) of 6%. This was judged inadequate at the time. The Mintek
re-evaluation was even more negative.
The Mintek re-evaluation (Callaghan, 2002b) indicated that the IRR for the base case varied
from negative to 0.1, whilst in the lower cost case using coal it varied from 1.7-1.9. If the then
price was doubled the project (using the low cost scenario) would achieve an IRR of 7%.
Even in the current low interest rate world, this is still too low. The Mintek study showed that
for the project to show an internal rate of return of 15% the price of alumina would need to
be $345/t in the low cost coal usage scenario and $370/t in the low cost base case
(Callaghan, 2002b). In the market section (Section 6.2.2) the relationship of the alumina
price to the price of aluminium metal was given as about 12.5%. This then would require an
aluminium price of $2,760 or $2,960 per tonne of aluminium respectively. The price of
aluminium is currently in the order of $2,520, which is still below the cut-off, and it must be
remembered that in the interim 9 years many of the costs would have increased.
The high silica content of this ore remains a detrimental factor, as does the lack of
availability of low cost fossil fuels and electricity. Furthermore, competition with other bettersituated deposits in the world counters the early development of the Mulanje bauxite deposit.
Problems of accessibility, ore dispersal and export logistics (distance from coast) also
29
remain as factors against development of the deposit. Hecht (2006) did a study design for
evaluation of the mountains natural resources. The final report has not been seen. Hecht
points out that the construction of an aerial cableway as suggested in the original METCHEM study does have possible positive as well as negative effects. However, it is clear that
the mountain provides a variety of other natural resources to the community and there may
be considerable opposition to mining the bauxite.
6.3. Asbestos
The Mozambican Government banned the use, import and export of asbestos in August of
2010. This ban is in line with other southern African countries and is for the protection of the
environment (Katerere, 2010). For this reason only scant attention is paid to the asbestos
deposits in the study area.
The main deposits of asbestos are in the Mavita Group, in the region of Mulevala in
Zambézia and at Mulatala in Nampula (Afonso & Marques, 1998).
6.4. Carbonatites
The carbonatites in the study area contain a variety of minerals; these minerals may be
discussed in detail elsewhere in the report. The main purpose of the section is to group the
carbonatites so that the reader may more easily find the reference to this type of deposit.
6.4.1.1. Chuara (Nacala SDI)
This sill-like intrusion forms a low hill about 3 km in length and probably 150-190m thick on
Karoo shale. The sill consists of an orthoclase, nepheline and aegerine-bearing foyaite.
Dykes in the granite gneisses north of the hill contain minute laths of nepheline, aegerine
and orthoclase (Woolley, 2001).
6.4.1.2. Cone Negose (Zambezi valley SDI)
The Cone Negose carbonatite is a 2 km diameter intrusion about 20 km from the north shore
of Cahora Bassa. It has phosphate-rich rocks at its core, bearing pyrochlore, monazite,
barite and fluorapatite (Pekkala et al, 2008). Several different phosphatic minerals occur at
Cone Negose leading to an average grade of 1-2% P2O5. Some layers of unknown continuity
and about 1m thick contain 60% apatite (Cílek, 1989). The fluorapatite mineralization
occurred in the late stages of the carbonatite formation. It is considered by Pekkala and
others (2008) to only have a marginal potential, mainly as a phosphate source for
agricultural fertiliser. The 2002 Mintek report indicated that the deposit had a low priority and
that any further work on it should concentrate on rare earth potential.
6.4.1.3. Kanyika (Nacala SDI)
Globe Metals and Mining are planning to bring the Malawian multicommodity Kanyika
niobium project into production in 2013. It is expecting to initially produce 3 ktpa niobium
metal (Swanepoel, 2010). For more on this deposit please see section 6.19.1.1.
6.4.1.4. Lucuisse (North of the Nacala SDI -12.3834o : 36.1834o)
The Lucuisse carbonatite deposit lies near the town of Mavago. It contains rare-earth
elements, uranium and phosphate. Residual deposits of 7-8 m thick (up to 30m) occurs over
an area of 0,66 km2 giving an estimated tonnage of more than 11 Mt. Minerals include
apatite, columbite, pyrochlore, zircon, monazite and magnetite. P205 concentrations range
from 2.34-6.77% (Cilek, 1989 in Woolley, 2001).
30
6.4.1.5. Lupata (Zambezi Valley SDI)
The Lupata volcanogenic deposits overlie Karoo aged Stormberg lavas and a good
exposure can be seen in the Lupata Gorge some 70 km downstream from Tete. The alkaline
Lupata lavas consist of 300 m of trachyte and analcime rich phonolite; they are overlain by
rudaceous Sena arenites. Small intrusions of nepheline syenite cut through the lavas – the
largest is at Mont Nhamauro, which has a diameter of about 1 km.
6.4.1.6. Machinga (Nacala SDI)
The information for this deposit is presented in section 6.22.1.2.
6.4.1.7. Mauzo (Nacala SDI -15.7000o : 35.8167o)
Mauzo comprises an 8 km long hill that is situated in the border between Mozambique and
Malawi. The intrusion consists mainly of nepheline syenite, which has been weathered to
produce a bauxite deposit (Cilek, 1989, Woolley, 2001).
6.4.1.8. Meponda (North of the Nacala SDI -13.4300o : 34.9000o)
The Meponda occurrence in the Lichinga district consists of syenites and nepheline syenites
that are mineralised with rare earth minerals, uranium, tantalum, thorium and niobium
(Woolley, 2001).
6.4.1.9. Monte Tundo (Nacala SDI -15.90361o : 35.89722o)
An intrusion consisting of granite, syenite and nepheline syenite makes up this deposit
(Woolley, 2001).
6.4.1.10. Salambidwe (Nacala SDI -15.9167o : 34.2500o)
The Salambidwe project is located on the border with Mozambique, with about 85% of the
project falling inside Malawi. The intrusion is of cretaceous age (Pekkala et al, 2008). The
project is about 6 km in diameter, and dominated by syenite and nepheline syenite. Airborne
radiometrics have indicated elevated thorium and uranium levels, which may indicate rareearth mineralization. Australian listed Globe Metals & Mining acquired the Salambidwe rareearths project in May 2010 (Swanepoel, 2010).
The Salambidwe hill has been the site of a microwave repeater, which is particularly
important in the communications interconnectivity between Mozambique, Malawi and
Zimbabwe, since 1989.
6.4.1.11. Tumbine (Nacala SDI)
Monte Tumbine consists of a core of nepheline syenite with surrounding syenite. It forms a
mountain rising to 1,542 m above the peneplain. Quartz occurs in syenites near the margins
but the nepheline syenite is rich in nepheline with 2 samples containing normative values of
7 and 14% nepheline (Coelho, 1959 in Woolley, 2001).
6.4.1.12. Monte Buzimuana (Nacala SDI -16.1975o : 34.1008o)
Minor alkaline intrusions occur at Chuare located between the carbonatite ring structure of
Muambe in the south and Salambidua in the north (Cilek, 1989).
6.4.1.13. Mont Muambe (Zambezi valley SDI -16.3167o : 34.0833o)
The Mont Muambe (Figure 21) ring-shaped carbonatite body is about 50 km southeast of
Tete. It is intruded into Karoo sandstone, and is some 780 m high and 6 km in external
diameter; the carbonatite rocks cover an area of 8.7 km2 (Woolley, 2001). Mont Muambe is a
fluorite deposit. The carbonatite contains up to 2.73% phosphate in apatite (Callaghan,
31
2002a) Globe Metals and Minerals has recently (2 December, 2010) announced initial
success with a drilling programme on the deposit (Stephens, 2010).
Further details on this deposit are in section 6.9.
6.4.1.14. Mont Muande (Zambezi valley SDI -15.997o : 33.579o)
About 30 km to the northwest of Tete lies the Mont Muande deposit on the north bank of the
Zambezi River. Mont Fema, seen as an extension of the deposit, is found on the south
bank. The deposit can be seen as primarily a magnetite deposit with marble, which contains
apatite. The magnetite occurs as sills or is disseminated in marble while the apatite is more
homogenous and is difficult to separate from the host carbonate rock (Cílek, 1989;
Callaghan 2002a). Separation of the apatite is likely only to be feasible if the deposit is
mined for the magnetite. The apatite resource is shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Mont Muande Apatite resource
Eluvial
Primary
HUNTING GEOLOGY(1987)
(kt P2O5)
374
5,800*
CILEK(1989)
(kt P2O5)
295
3,855
Recent exploration has shown this deposit to have significant potential, see section 6.13 for
further information on the deposit.
6.5. Coal
6.5.1. Market
Although pumpable oil reserves in the world are now limited, coal will still be well supplied for
some time to come. Several countries (e.g. Germany, U.K., Japan) have already passed
their peak production. Major reserves in the world are found within only a few countries with
the USA, China, India, the former soviet Union, Australia and South Africa holding some
85% of the reserve in 2005 (Höök et al 2008). Although no one of the major producers has
yet reached peak production it is expected that the global peak will be reached around 2030
(Höök et al 2008). Certain coal qualities are already very much in demand and one of these
is coking coal.
Coal currently provides some 27% of the world’s primary energy requirement and generates
41% of the electricity, with hard coal production estimated at 5,990 Mt and brown coal and
lignite at 913 Mt (World Coal Association, 2011). Coal reserves are present in about 70
countries and at current production levels proven reserves are expected to last for 119 years
(World Coal Association, 2011). The top ten hard coal producers are shown in Table 6 whilst
the major exporters and importers of coal are shown in Table 7 and Table 8. It can be seen
from Table 7 that at the production levels that mines would like to produce for export,
Mozambique will quickly become a major world player especially on the coking coal market.
Major importers of coking coal in 2010 are Japan (26%), India (17%), Europe (15%), China
(14%), South Korea (11%), Brazil (6%) and Taiwan (2%). Demand is expected to grow at a
rate of 7% per annum (or more than 10 Mt growth per annum), and new supply is expected
to come chiefly from Australia and Mozambique. Chopra and others (2011) reported in
January that most steel producers had an approximate 40-60 day coking coal inventory.
Due to the general tightness in the market but especially to the Australian floods, coking coal
moved from about $225 per tonne at the end of December to $260/t by mid January (Chopra
et al. 2011). This can be compared to the benchmark price of $115-125 agreed to between
BHP Billiton and Nippon Steel in March of 2009. Mallyon (2010) shows that key markets are
32
well within reach and his diagram is reproduced in Figure 12. He sees Mozambique as being
the world’s second largest coking coal exporter by 2025, with an expected export of 55 Mtpa
(Figure 13).
Mining-technology (2010) reports that Nippon Steel Corporation, with partners, the Talbot
Group (58.9% stake), and POSCO (8% stake) will start the development of a $600 m hardcoking coal mine in Mozambique in 2012. The coal mine is envisaged to produce 5 Mtpa
with initial production in 2014.
Railway Gazette (2009) reports that Vale expects to produce 11 Mtpa of metallurgical and
thermal coal over the next 35 years’. The Moatize project is expected to generate some 900
direct jobs at the production peak.
Table 6: Top ten hard coal producers 2009e
Country
Production (Mt) 2009 e
Peoples Republic of China
2,971
USA
919
India
526
Australia
335
Indonesia
263
Republic of South Africa
247
Russia
229
Kazakhstan
96
Poland
78
Columbia
73
Source: http://www.worldcoal.org/resources/coal-statistics/
e
- estimated
It appears that Japanese coal-fired power stations have extra capacity and therefore in the
short term there should be a significant increase in demand from Japan to allow them to
make up for lost generation capacity due to the earthquakes and tsunami that they
experienced in March 2011.
6.5.2. Reserves and resources
The Tete region has currently got a coal reserve of 1,340 Mt and this figure is expected to
increase considerably as the level of confidence in more deposits is raised sufficiently
through detailed exploration and production drilling. The resource figure currently stands at
17,503 Mt (see Table 9).
Table 7: Top ten hard coal exporters 2009e
Steam coal Mt
Coking coal Mt
Australia
134
125
259
Indonesia
200
30
230
Russia
105
11
116
Columbia
69
-
69
South Africa
66
1
67
USA
20
33
53
Canada
7
21
28
Source: http://www.worldcoal.org/resources/coal-statistics/
e
- estimated
33
Total My
Table 8: Top coal importers 2009e
Steam coal Mt
Coking coal Mt
Total My
Japan
113
52
165
Peoples Republic of China
102
35
137
South Korea
82
21
103
India
44
23
67
Chinese Tapei
57
3
60
Germany
32
6
38
UK
33
5
38
Source: http://www.worldcoal.org/resources/coal-statistics/
e
– estimated
Figure 12: Coking Coal Supply routes
Source: Mallyon, 2010
Table 9: Tete coal resources
Mine/prospect
Moatize
Zambeze#
Benga@
Ncondezi
Minas Moatize
Cambulatsitsi
Total
Reserve Mt
838
502
1,340
Estimated resource Mt
2,500
9,045J
4,032 J
1,809
79
35
17,503
Source: Various sources
J
– Jorc compliant
@
- Mallyon 2010 gives JORC compliant reserves as Proven: 346 Mt, Probable: 156 Mt, and resources as Measured:
710 Mt, Indicated: 362 Mt, Inferred 2,960 Mt
#
- Mallyon 2010 gives JORC compliant resources as Indicated: 2,365 Mt, Inferred: 6,680 Mt
34
Figure 13: Seaborne Hard Coking Coal Market 2025
Seaborne HCC market (Mtpa)
Mozambique
18%
Others
15%
46 Mt
55 Mt
27Mt
154 Mt
Canada
9%
25 Mt
USA
8%
Australia
50%
Source: Mallyon, 2010
6.5.3. Deposits
6.5.3.1. Benga
Riversdale has been operating in Mozambique since 2006. It has a 25 year mining lease and
has already had environmental approval (mining and power) and in April 2010 Benga mine
(owned by Riversdale - 65% and Tata Steel - 35%) was officially opened. Mallyon (2010)
has compared the quality of the coking coal at Benga to that at Bowen Basin in Australia,
which is considered amongst the best in the world. The resource is given in Table 9.
Riversdale had a 40% life of mine (LOM) offtake agreement with Tata steel, and a 10% LOM
offtake agreement pending with WISCO in 2010 (Mallyon, 2010) and therefore this material
is essentially sterilised to local beneficiation.
Leon Fanoe, Riversdale’s Benga general manager has indicated that the company aims to
export its first coking coal as soon as its processing plant is completed and plans its first
shipment from Beira in September 2011 (MacDonald, 2011).
6.5.3.2. Cambulatsitsi
An Essar affiliated company, Essar Recursos de Minerais de Mozambique Ltd, holds a coal
licence in the Cambulatsitsi area near Tete. Initial exploration of the area led to an
independent estimate of an approximate resource of 35 Mt. The Essar Group has entered
into a MOU with CCFB (consortium of CFM-RITESIRCON) for transporting the coal to Beira
port (Essar, 2010).
6.5.3.3. Moatize
Moatize has not been described here since it is operational and therefore does not fall within
the ambit of this report.
6.5.3.4. Zambeze
Riversdale’s Zambeze coal project lies adjacent to the Benga project, which will allow
possible production and administration synergies. Riversdale had a 40% life of mine (LOM)
offtake agreement pending with WISCO in 2010 (Mallyon, 2010). The resource is given in
Table 9. Like Benga it plans to produce export quality coking and thermal coal. The principal
geologist is reported to have indicated that there are currently 26 geologists and a total
exploration staff of 60 together with 10 drilling rigs on the property at the moment (March,
2011) and that the feasibility study is expected to be completed in 2012 (MacDonald, 2011).
The deposit occurs in a Precambrian aged downfaulted basin, and includes a total of 22 coal
35
seams. It is envisaged that the Zambese project will be developed together with Chinese
steelmaker Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation (WISCO), which has a non-binding
memorandum of understanding with Riversdale Mining to obtain 40% of the project for an
investment of $800M (Mining-Technology, 2011a).
6.5.3.5. Ncondezi Coal Project
The Ncondezi Coal Company has a large prospect to the northeast of Tete. The Ncondezi
Coal Project covers an area of 38,700 ha in the coal bearing Zambezi Basin. The Ncondezi
Project comprises licences 804L and 805L (See Figure 14). A total 122 boreholes
(16,737 m) have been drilled in prospecting the area and a JORC compliant resource of
1.8 bt has been identified.
Figure 14: Ncondezi Project locality map
Source: www.ncondezicoal.com
SRK have undertaken a scoping study in which they confirmed that the prospect has the
economic potential to produce 10 Mtpa of thermal from an open pit operation. At this stage
the company has not got a coking coal resource, but are undertaking further work, from
which they hope to be able to confirm a coking coal resource.
The company is currently busy with a bankable feasibility study, which is scheduled to be
completed in the second half of 2012 (www.ncondezicoal.com).
6.5.4. Production
Assuming that the infrastructure can cope, the Benga coal mine is expected to produce coal
in 2011 of which it will export 300 kt of coking coal and 90 kt of thermal coal between
September and the end of the year (MacDonald, 2011). The Benga project is being
developed in phases. The first phase will produce 5.3 Mtpa ROM including 1.7 Mtpa of hard
coking coal and 300 ktpa of thermal coal, for use in power stations (see Table 10).
Table 10 is in broad agreement with estimates of the government of Mozambique. The
Mozambican Mining Resources Minister, Esperança Bias, said on the 14th March 2011 that
Mozambique expected to reach a coal production of 30 Mt by 2015, however it must be
36
emphasised that this production will only be possible if the export routes and other means of
take off are in place, and that presents a huge challenge.
In the longer term Benga plans to produce 20 Mtpa including 6 Mtpa of hard coking coal and
4 Mtpa of export thermal coal from the Benga project (Mallyon, 2010). Riversdale is
investigating the possibility of the production of 90 Mtpa ROM from the Zambeze project in
the long term (Mallyon, 2010).
6.5.5. Logistics
Riversdale plans to export its phase 1 products through Beira, and will plan its growth path to
coincide with rail and port development; it is also investigating the possibility of barging coal
down the Zambezi River. (Mallyon, 2010).
6.5.6. Downstream opportunities associated with the Tete coal deposits
6.5.6.1. Project Overview & Scope
Resources in the Tete coalfields are now estimated at more than 17 bt (see Table 9).
The Moatize deposit was reported in Walker (2004) to be a shallow basin (maximum depth
100m) with gentle variations in dip. The coal, which can be easily upgraded by washing, is a
low phosphorous bituminous coal with good swell characteristics, which allows for the
production of a good quality coking coal.
When the coal produced is washed to produce good coking coal there is expected to be a
considerable proportion of subgrade material that will not stand the costs of export but could
be used for local projects. This coal could act as feedstock for various downstream projects
and once several of the mines are running at full capacity they will be able to supply a
considerable amount of coal. The specific qualities of this material as well as the amount
projected to be available will determine exactly what opportunities are available.
Power stations can be designed specifically to burn high ash coals. Vale’s Moatize project
will be an open cast strip mining operation. As reported in Walker (2004) the process after
mining is expected include the raw coal being crushed and washed in a double-stage heavy
media washing plant. The coking coal comprising the low density vitrinite rich portion has a
lower SG than that of the dense media material and will be floated off. The remaining
material will be passed through another separation stage using a higher density media to
separate out the remaining coal, which will be for local usage in a power station or for other
possible projects. The sinks from the second separation will be disposed as tailings.
Although more detail on the separation process has not been established at this point, the
Kentz group announced last year that it had won a $69 M contract to do the structural
(steel), mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and piping erection for the Moatize coal
processing plant. The aim is to have a plant that can process 26 Mtpa. The current
estimations of coal production (see Table 10 and Table 11) at the various mines in the area
are far greater that those envisaged in the 2004 report, in which a total production of 6 Mtpa
of steam coal and 3 Mtpa of high quality coking coal was envisaged. The rail is entirely
inadequate to deal with the quantities being planned by the various mining groups and
therefore if there is to be a successful roll-out of these project it is most likely that
local downstream usage will have to receive serious consideration.
6.5.6.2. Spatial Impact
The spatial/geographical impact of the successful construction and operation of coal mines
in the Tete area is shown in Figure 15 (reproduced from Walker, 2004). The current
capacity of the Sena rail is 6 Mtpa. It is expected to carry 5 Mtpa of coal from the Tete
coalfields and 1 Mtpa of general cargo, and as a result alternative methods of transport will
have to be found for more export to take place (such as through Nacala), and ideally a
considerable amount of the coal will be used in local resource-based projects.
37
Table 10: Tete production estimates
Mine/prospect
Moatize
Estimated production kt*
2011
2012
2013
2015
2020
2025
2030
1,000
6,000
11,000
11,000
11,000
11,000
11,000
6,000
2,000
8,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
5,500
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
2,500
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
Zambeze
300
Benga
3,000
Ncondezi
96
1,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
2,000
1,396
9,000
20,500
33,500
48,000
48,000
48,000
43,000
Minas Moatize
Total
2035
Source: Macdonald, 2011 Macdonald, 2011a, Ncondezi, 2011, Club of Mozambique 2010c, Reuters, 2011, and own estimates
* Assuming Logistics issues can be dealt with.
The direct impacts flowsheet from Walker 2004 is still pertinent today and is reproduced in
Figure 1 of Appendix III.
Table 11: Expected Coking coal/steam coal production 2020
Mine/prospect
Mined kt*
Total
Estimated production kt*
Steam Coal
Coking coal
Total product
Moatize
26,000
2,500
8,500
11,000
Zambeze
45,000
5,000
10,000
15,000
Benga
20,000
4,000
6,000
10,000
Ncondezi
30,000
5,000
5,000
10,000
4,000
1,100
900
2,000
125,000
17,600
30,400
48,000
Minas Moatize
Total
Source: Macdonald, 2011, Macdonald, 2011a; www.ncondezicoal.com/mineral-resource-statement.aspx and own
estimates
•
Assuming Logistics issues can be dealt with.
6.5.6.3. Project Viability
The cost of rebuilding the Sena rail was at least $230 M of which the World Bank has funded
$158 M. Meantime the development of the Moatize mine by Vale has already cost more than
one billion US dollars and is expected to cost a total of $1.6 bn. Another $200 M will be
spent to increase the railway's capacity to 12 Mtpa by 2014, whilst it is expected that $400 M
may be used to improve the throughput capacity at Beira to more than 15 Mtpa by 2014
(Steelguru, 2011).
6.5.6.4. Export
Mozambican coal is of a high quality. The coking coal is a hard coal with a high vitrinite
content, moderate to high rank and low aluminium content. Importers around the world are
likely to be prepared to take as much as they can get as long as the supply is reliable and
the price right. With regard to the supply, the Mozambican government needs to ensure not
only that the rail link to Nacala is in place to assist in the transport of ore from the Tete area
but also ensure that various rail routes are as far as possible “flood safe” so that there can
be continued export during adverse climatic conditions which will occur. On the issue of
price, it should be ensured that the price obtained is a good market price for the quality of
the product being exported. Mozambican coal is one of the premier coking coals of the
world, and will be used to blend with other coal to moderate the levels of impurity in those
coals. As such, it should fetch a price that is in line with the quality of the product.
38
Figure 15: Spatial dynamics of the coal project
Source: Walker (2004)
6.5.6.5. Power Station
Vale and Riversdale/Tata Steel are in the process of opening up the Moatize and Benga
coalfields respectively. Coal fired power plants have been proposed for both Moatize and
Benga. It is understood that the proposed power station for Moatize will be built in two
phases each to produce 300 MW. Once complete the project is expected to consume 3 Mtpa
of low grade coal transported directly from the mine via conveyer. Although there appears to
be some doubt over whether there will be a take-off for the electricity once available, it is
more likely just an issue of timing (and economics) since there are many possible projects
that can be considered. The detailed investigation of these issues demands an in-depth
multidimensional development study of the SDI. The power station should take 3 years to
complete the first phase and cost about $2 billion. Riversdale has a similar plan for the
Benga Mine with a first phase 500 MW using existing transmission infrastructure followed by
phase 2 which will include a total of 1500 MW and will use a new transmission system.
These power stations have a great importance in the overall planning of the coal
exploitation. Power stations can be structured to run on rather poor quality coal that has
limited usage – in some cases the alternative would be to discard the coal and then have to
deal with the possible serious environmental side effects of this. Furthermore the power
stations will provide electricity, jobs and a lot of manufacturing openings that would not be
available without ready power, whilst sending this material to waste achieves no purpose.
Another option that could be considered for the considerable amount of lower grade
materials that are associated with prime HCC in Mozambique is the production of syngas.
6.5.6.6. Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
39
Since the production of coal bed methane is strictly a mining technique it has been dealt with
in section 7.2.1, and will not be covered here.
6.5.6.7. Syngas and liquid fuel production
The possible production of syngas from the Tete coals is an area of some controversy and
this should be carefully considered in an in-depth study. The production of syngas has many
advantages for the area, and the only real questions in this regard should be: “Is the coal
suitable?” and “Can the process be profitable?”
Liquid fuels can be produced directly from coal in a single process or the coal can first be
used to produce gas that can then be converted to liquid fuel.
The production of syngas uses up some of the lower value feedstocks (Figure 16) and turns
them into a variety of possible products, which may well be of far greater value than any
other usage of coal, especially since it can generate a broad variety of downstream industrial
processes. One of the downstream products is mentioned in the section addressing food
security – that is, ammonia. Ammonia is further processed into a variety of products, some of
which are particularly expensive in Africa. Sanchez (2001) points to the huge distortions of
price of urea in Africa as compared to Europe where in parts of Africa the per tonne price
may be more than 8x the price in Europe! As a result nitrogen deficiencies are ubiquitous in
African croplands. While the partial answer to this lies in organic farming techniques – these
techniques may not be able to support the heavy burden of expected future populations.
Figure 16: Synthesis Energy Systems Gasification Technology
Capture CO2,
H2S
Low value
feedstocks
Fluidized bed
gasifier
Syngas – CO,
H2, CH4
End products:
Coal Chemicals
- Glycol
- Methanol: CH3OH
- Olefins
- CO
- H2
- Ascetic acid
Downstream products:
- Methanol for blending with fuel
- Synthetic fuel
- Dimethyl ether (DME) for blending with
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
- Ammonia and fertilisers
- Synthetic natural gas (SNG)
- Power
- DRI from Iron ore
- Fuel gas
Source: /www.coalworks.com.au/uploads/111414604Beijing congress 2010 Final.pdf
It important to note that the proposed Mafutha Sasol Project on the Waterberg Coalfield has
been put on hold over issues of lack of clarity about large-scale coal gasification tests,
uncertainty about the provision of a commercially viable carbon capture solution and
government support in a public-private partnership (Cape Times, 2010). The Mozambican
government too in its turn may be required to be directly involved in a synfuels project – but
with its recent track record is perhaps in a better position than South Africa when it comes to
40
corporate certainty with regard to large projects. However, CO2 capture and storage, may
present a significant problem in Mozambique as well, since there is little government
awareness of CCS and since the geological storage capacity is unknown (de Coninck, et al,
2010).
The Sasol Fischer-Tropsch process is the only commercially viable coal liquefaction process
and as such puts South Africa in the forefront of coal liquefaction technology worldwide. It is
unlikely that Sasol would have any reservations in opening a coal liquefaction plant in
Mozambique should enough suitable coal be available and the economics of a project
favourable. It has been reported that Vale has plans to produce 300M litres of diesel from
coal per annum, in partnership with a Portuguese company (Macuahub, 2011n).
6.5.6.8. Coke production
There is considerable argument with regard to whether it is possible to produce coke locally
in Mozambique with the coking coal grades mines. It is believed that it is possible (even if
not perhaps desirable) to produce high quality coke with only Moatize coking coal. However,
even if making the assumption that the Mozambican hard coking coal (HCC) must be
blended, it is important to note that since it is a very high quality product blending is done
with cheaper, soft coking coals (Mallyon, 2010). Soft coking coals are more available and
can be easily imported and will provide return cargoes from the coast to Tete. The excellent
quality of the Benga coking coal can be seen in Figure 17.
Figure 17: Quality of Benga Hard Coking Coal
Source: Riversdale Technical Studies
Mozambique coking coals fall well within the range of hard metallurgical coals, which are
defined by Kirk-Othmer (undated) as coals having 18–32% volatile matter. Where coals
outside of this range are used to produce hard metallurgical coke, blending is required.
Coals are also blended to improve the quality of the coke and to optimise the shrinkage
required to remove the coke from the ovens after initial swelling. The quality of the coke
product is important and may depend on the guidelines provided by buyers. However, in
41
general, ash content should be less than 10%, sulphur should ideally be under 1% and the
phosphorous content must also be low since both sulphur and phosphorous in a coking coal
used in a blast furnace will cause the steel produced to be brittle (Kirk-Othmer undated).
Coke is produced by the pyrolysis (heating in an oxygen free environment) of suitable coking
coal. Gasses given off in the process are processed to produce an array of by-products. The
by-products of the coking process are important and include a broad range of chemical
products that can be used to stimulate further industry locally or exported. Coal tar for
example is used in various medicated shampoos and skin products and can be refined and
used to manufacture chemicals such as creosote oil, naphthalene, phenol and benzene.
Ammonia gas recovered from coke ovens is used in the manufacture of nitric acid and of
nitrogen rich agricultural fertilisers. Other downstream products include soap, aspirin, various
solvents and dyes, plastics and fibres such as nylon and rayon (World Coal Institute, 2008).
The hot gas is also used to heat the ovens. The coke making process does have
environmental concerns due to escaping gas that needs to be carefully controlled.
One of the important products that can be produced from coke oven gas is Di Methyl Ether
(DME). DME (CH3OCH3), is a precursor to other organic compounds, it burns with little
production of NOx or CO, and is considered as a clean fuel. It is conventionally produced by
a two-step process of production, and then dehydation of methanol. The Japanese firm JFE
developed a direct process to produce DME from coke oven gas, and have produced 17 kt
in four demonstration tests running from 2-6 months in 2004 and 2005. DME is currently
used principally as a solvent and a spray propellant for cosmetics, but it is considered to be
an LP gas alternative, and can be used in the transportation industry and for small isolated
power generation plants (de Mestier du Bourg, 2006). Although economical production of
DME may still present some technical problems these will fade as the price of competing
fuels increases.
6.5.6.9. Production of pulverized coal for pulverized coal injection smelting
The possibility of producing pulverised coal for the pulverised coal injection (PCI) technology
will depend on the precise coal quality produced in Tete as well as a local buyer. The
considerable advantage that can be gained from producing PCI with lower quality coal to
offset some of the usage of coking coal in a local blast furnace could make the production of
steel from local iron ores very cost competitive, especially if the furnace is initially built with
production using PCI as a standard option. One of the problems with the slow take-up of the
technology is that many older furnaces are unsuitable and retrofitting is often not an option.
6.5.6.10. Other coal products
Other important products of coal that Mozambique can consider producing as the industry
grows are given in Table 12.
Table 12: Other possible by-products of the Coal Industry
Product
Uses
Activated Carbon
Filters
Carbon Fibre
Construction reinforcement, sports equipment
Silicon metal
Used to produce silicone, silane (experiencing growth due to its use in the
production of low cost solar panels). These are used to produce a variety
of products such as lubricants, water repellents, resins, cosmetics,
shampoo, toothpaste etc.
Source: modified after World Coal Institute, 2008).
6.5.7. Coal development and the environment
42
CBM is extracted by drilling wells to the seam, dewatering the seam (which reduces the
pressure) and then extracting the methane. The extraction of large quantities of (usually
saline) water may lead to serious environmental problems and this needs to be carefully
considered in the overall development plan for CBM production
Carbon dioxide emissions in Mozambique will increase due to the exploitation of the coal
resources. At present there are no carbon capture and storage (CCS) activities in
Mozambique and the geological potential for CCS has not been established (de Coninck et
al 2010). The most cost effective way of dealing with CCS is to ensure that it is included in
the initial planning of projects. It is therefore important for the Mozambican government to
consider including CCS provisions in the upcoming amendment to mining and environmental
legislation.
6.5.8. Conclusion
Coal has been mined sporadically in the Moatize basin for some time and it contains a
proven 1,087 Mt (Sergeant, 2010) or estimated 2,000 Mt (Mining Journal, 2008) of coal, a
large percentage of which of which is of coking quality. In 2009 Vale announced the $1.5bn
Moatize coal project would go ahead. They planned to produce 11 Mtpa as from 2011. In
October of that year the Mozambican government announced a loan of $500 M had been
secured to build a railway line linking Moatize with the port of Nacala. Both the mine and the
rail are at the point where they are to be tested, but the rail is not yet up to the standard
required and it will be some time before the plans can be met.
The Mucanha – Vuzi basin located on the north shore of lake Cahora Bassa has an
estimated 3,600 Mt of coal (Mining Journal, 2000). There are indications that the export in
2011 will reach 2 Mt (from a 2010 base of 150 kt) with both the minister of Mineral
Resources, Esperança Bias, as well as the minister of Transport Paulo Zucula, being firmly
behind the on-time production and export (Allafrica, 2010a, Allafrica, 2010b).
Besides the urgency to get the rail up to the level required to export large quantities of coal
there should be an equal urgency in finding the best domestic uses for adding value to the
coal through production of value added products or through the provision of electricity to
manufacturing operations.
6.6. Copper
6.6.1. Market
There is a strong demand for copper which can be seen in the strong price (see Figure 18).
It is notable that the price is about 5x higher than it was when the Mintek reports were
written. This is important in that the likelihood of the projects running now would be much
greater than it would have been in 2002. In Figure 18 the relationship of the price and
therefore demand with development is very clear as can be seen by the dramatic dip during
the financial crisis.
6.6.2. Deposits
Several small copper and nickel occurrences occur in the Tete Complex located just north of
Tete, and the Atchiza Complex, just north of the Cahora Bassa dam. The Atchiza Complex
holds Cr, Fe, Co, Ti, V, Ni, Au and PGE potential. Several lead and copper occurrences exist
west and northwest of Changara in the Tete Province.
Figure 18: LME copper price, 1980-2011
43
Source: Mongabay.com
6.6.2.1. Chiduè
The Chiduè deposit is a small copper deposit situated approximately 55 km north of Tete in
the Moatize district. It is a skarn deposit and hosts copper, silver, gold and nickel
mineralization. Ore minerals include bornite, chalcocite, chalcopyrite, malachite and native
copper. It has five orebodies that have been described as “seams” in the results of the
survey performed by General Chiduè Mining Company. Orebody 1 occurs as a seam
concordant with dolomite and extends 450 m in the strike direction (E-W) and 467.5 m in the
dip direction. Average thickness is about 7.98 m at a grade of 1.78% Cu. Orebody 2 extends
887.5m in the strike direction and 245 m in the dip direction with an average grade of 1.07%
Cu. Orebody 3 extends 133 m in the strike direction and 290 m in the dip direction with an
average thickness of 1.7 m at 2.24% Cu. Orebody 4 extends115 m in the strike direction and
90 m in the dip direction with an average thickness of 1.2 m at 0.35% Cu. Orebody 5
extends 142m along strike and 127 m in the dip direction, with an average thickness of 1.37
m at 1.33% Cu. The reserve of copper for the five orebodies was calculated to be 101.16 kt,
with the average grade of copper ranging from 0.35 to 2.24%. The deposit also has cobalt,
lead and minor gold (0.01 to 0.9 g/t) (Callaghan, 2002a).
A later report by Recourses Minerals of Republic de Mozambique (1993) indicated that the
mineralized belt has variable widths, and a length of 7.5 km extending from the Mavudzi
River to the Massamba village. The total reserve of the five orebodies was calculated at 5.88
Mt, with a grade 1.72% Cu and 0.5 g/t Au. Overall the geological and geophysical
information resulting from the exploration work showed that the Chiduè deposit is probably
small (Callaghan, 2002a).
6.6.2.2. Fingoe
The Fingoe (Muenguè) iron skarn deposit, located approximately 35 km southwest of Fingoe
in the Tete Province, also hosts copper. African Eagle has signed a memorandum of
agreement with Pan African Mining Corporation (“Pan Africa”) to explore and develop the
Fingoe licence. The agreement results in a 2% net smelter return with respect to all mineral
production by Pan African from the Fingoe licence area. The main focus area is the Fingoe
Group, which consists of meta-sediments, BIF, carbonates, acid and mafic meta-volcanics,
and ultramafic sills, extensively intruded by granitoids, mircogranites and diorites.
Mineralisation consists of skarn-like copper-gold and iron occurrences, with disseminated
copper sulphide, some with gold, associated with granitoid stocks (Armitage, 2007).
44
6.6.2.3. Mundoguara
The Mundoguara (Edmundian) deposit is situated approximately 10 km west of Manica on
the southern flank of the Manica-Mutare greenstone belt in the Manica Province.
Underground sub-level mining has occurred intermittently since 1902. During 1983 to 1989,
approximately 91 kt of copper was produced from an ore containing 1.39% copper.
The mineralised quartz-calcite veins consist mainly of mainly chalcopyrite (with subordinate
pyrrhotite and pyrite, very minor galena). There are also small, but consistent amounts of
scheelite (a tungsten ore), and gold (0.3 to 1.5 ppm). Silver content (9 to 60 ppm) is
inconsistently present. Talc and chlorite gangue can result in difficulty in the flotation process
but this should be able to be overcome with the use of the correct additives and careful
monitoring. There is a significant future potential of discovering better grades of associated
gold and nickel at this project. There is also potential of lateritic nickel in some of the high
lying areas underlain by serpentinitic komatiite near the Zimbabwe border (Baobab, 2007).
Initial drilling by Baobab Resources plc has indicated a small copper resource of 1.34 Mt
grading 2.3% Cu, 0.18g/t Au, and 3.3g/t Ag (Libertas, 2010).
Transport infrastructure
Although the access road the Mundoguara mine has been severely eroded it is still
passable.
Energy infrastructure
The power lines to the Mundoguara mine were stripped prior to 2000 and only a few of the
supporting poles were still in position in 2007.
6.7. Diamonds
Although there are about 50 kimberlite pipes and dykes in the Niassa Province, little work
has been done to evaluate them and there are no commercial sources of diamonds known in
Mozambique. The kimberlites that are present are unlikely to carry commercial diamond
deposits because they were not intruded through the craton.
Alluvial micro-diamonds have been recovered from rivers draining from South Africa and
Zimbabwe in the Gaza Province.
6.8. Dimension Stone
6.8.1. Resources
Various types of dimension stone occur in Mozambique, including material of sedimentary,
igneous and metamorphic origin. These include limestone and travertine (sedimentary);
anorthosite, gabbro, granite, dolerite, rhyolite and syenite (igneous); marble, quartzite and
serpentine (metamorphic). Many deposits have been exploited by a South African company,
Marlin Granite, and an Italian company with a base in South Africa, Red Granito. The
industry is economically constrained by the high cost of road transport (Callaghan, 2002a).
East of Montepuez in Cabo Delgado, marble is exposed in four small quarries and shows
three distinct lenses dipping at 40-60o southeast (Melezhik et al, 2007). The visible thickness
of these lenses varies from 20-50m. The “tripartite marble unit” consisting of three disparate
lenses consists of the lower calcite-dolomite marble, the middle grey dolomite marble and
the upper white dolomite marble. Marble is produced at Cabo Delgado quarries and
processed in the town of Pemba. Mozambique's marble resources were estimated to be 83
Mt (Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, 1995 reported in Afristone, 2011).
Figure 19: Schematic geological map showing marble occurrences
45
Source: Melezhik and others (2007)
6.8.2. Deposits
Some of the Karoo rhyolites, in the Maputo Province, (outside of the study area) have been
quarried. Gabbro (‘grey granite’) from Chainça in Manica anorthosite from the Tete Suite is
periodically quarried for export.
6.8.2.1. Mt Magatacata
Mt Magatacata occurs some130 km inland from Beira and is a dioritic gabbro. Blocks of up
to 15 m3 can be produced. The gabbro is suitable for high-quality external decorative
applications and resources are estimated at 800,000 m3 (Mining Journal, 2000).
Figure 20: White dolomite marble member
Source: Melezhik and others (2007)
Showing banded, pale grey, dolomite marble with numerous inclusions, hammer head = 12 cm.
6.8.2.2. Mt Mesa
Mt Mesa, is a gabbro-norite intrusion on the coast near Nacala. It has excellent properties for
ornamental work, such as sculptures and monuments (Mining Journal, 2000).
46
6.8.2.3. Chonde hill
Chonde hill is an intrusion of red granite, which occurs on the shore of Lake Nyasa.
6.8.2.4. Montepuez Marble deposit
At Montepuez, Cabo Delgado, a white, greyish-white or grey coloured marble suitable for
dimension stone occurs. This deposit has been mined since the colonial period and a
processing plant produces various slabs and tiles. In 1995 it had a production of 60,000 m2
(Afristone, 2011).
6.8.2.5. Other deposits
Other areas of interest are Muatuca-Mutupupa-Mazeze in Cabo Delgado Province; Metolola
in Zambezia province; and the Natia deposits in Nampula province (Afristone, 2011).
6.8.3. Conclusion
Mozambique has many rock types suitable for the dimension stone market. However,
transport remains a major issue. As the country is built up and modernised as it will be with
the much greater mining revenues that will be available, government should ensure that
local dimension stone is used so far as possible in the facing of buildings. This will have the
advantage of export replacement as well as giving the local dimension stone industry a lift,
which may then allow it to export finished products to the world market.
6.9. Fluorite (Fluorspar)
Mont Muambe is the most important fluorite deposit. Other deposits are the medium sized
deposits at Djanguire, Cone N’gose, and Domba and smaller deposits at Canxixe, Djalire,
Lupata, Massangulo and Xiluvo in Mozambique as well as Nkalonje in Malawi. An unnamed
deposit of fluorite, covering an area of some 2.6 km2 occurs about 150 km southwest of Tete
on the road to Changara (Callaghan, 2002a).
6.9.1. Resources
The 6.5 km diameter Mont Muambe complex has been estimated to have a fluorite resource
of 1.5 Mt. The recent work being done by Globe Metals and Mining has shown that there is a
considerable amount of associated rare earths with the deposit.
6.9.2. Market
Fluorspar is marketed in one of three grades, acid grade (> 97% CaF2), ceramic grade (85%
to 95% CaF2) and metallurgical grade (60% to 85% CaF2).
There are three major uses for fluorspar. The majority of production is used in the
manufacture of hydrofluoric acid (HF). Most of the rest is used for producing aluminium
fluoride (AlF3) or as a flux in a variety of applications including the manufacture of steel,
primary aluminium production (Hall electrolytic process) and glass manufacture. It is also
used in the production of enamels, welding rod coatings, fluocarbon and cement amongst
others. It is also used in various lubricants and chemicals.
The hydrofluoric acid (HF) industry uses finely ground fluorspar of acid grade which is
usually the result of flotation. HF is the primary feedstock for the production of most organic
and inorganic fluorine-bearing chemicals such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) used in refrigerants and air conditioning systems.
Fluorine chemicals are also used for the production of thermoplastics such as Teflon.
A small amount of fluorspar added to the furnace lowers the smelting temperature and
assists in the removal of undesirable impurities to the slag. The industry standard for
47
metallurgical grade fluorspar is 85% CaF2 with SiO2 less than 5% and ideally not finer than
2 mm. Because of the high specific gravity fluorspar is easily upgraded by jigging.
Because of its high transparency and very low dispersion, fluorspar is used for high end
camera, microscope and telescope lenses.
Global production in 2007 was 5.7Mt and due to the link with the steel industry and for use
as a refrigerant it is expected to see a strong growth with an envisaged demand 7 Mt by
2030. Acid grade fluorspar accounted for 69% of fluorspar production in 2007.
Since China is the biggest producer and consumer of fluorspar the Chinese price can be
taken as a proxy for the world trade price. The price for acid grade fluorspar from China was
$100/t (FOB) in 2000 and it peaked at $550/t in late 2008 (Miller, 2011). The price fell during
the global economic crisis but is once again on the rise (Storuman, 2011). Prices in March
2010 were $300-360/t (FOB) Mexico for acid grade filtercake, <5ppm As, $230-280 (FOB)
China for acid grade wet filtercake and $130-140 (FOB) China for metallurgical, min. 80%
CaF2, wet bulk. The price of acid grade filtercake FOB Durban was $250-300/t (Wilson,
2011).
World reserves are in the order of 226 Mt with China holding about 9.3% of the total. China
produced 3Mt in 2009, some 58.8% of the total world production. At this rate of production
recoverable reserves in China have a seven year lifespan. It is for this reason that China is
taxing exports of fluorspar.
6.9.3. Deposits
6.9.3.1. Cone Nʼgose
The Mt. Cone Nʼgose carbonatite lies in the northwestern part of the Tete province and
geochemical studies completed in 1977 and 1983 have indicated that the deposit does show
some economic promise for fluorite. Although the setting of this carbonatite is not as
favourable as Mt Muambe, further detailed geological exploration is warranted as records
show associated P, Ta and rare-earths.
See also section 6.4.1.2.
6.9.3.2. Mont Dombe and Djanguire
The Mont Dombe and Djanguire deposits consist of disseminated and massive crystal
aggregates. They contain about 65% CaF2, with low proportions of Fe and barite (BaSO4).
Estimated resources at Djanguire are 700 kt to a depth of 200 m. No reserve estimates are
known for the Mont Domba deposit (Callaghan, 2002a). Boabab has exploration rights in the
area known as the “Changara Project” which covers an area of 525 km2 over the lower
Proterozoic rocks of the Rushinga Group. Baobab considers the project to be highly
prospective for Sedimentary exhalative (SedEx) / Broken Hill Type polymetallic base and
precious metal mineralization. It is known to host zinc, lead, manganese, iron ore, fluorite,
copper and silver occurrences (Baobab, 2011a).
6.9.3.3. Mont Muambe
The ring-shaped Mont Muambe complex is intruded into Karoo sandstone, and now stands
some 780 m above the plain. It is about 6 km in external diameter. The fluorite veins range
from 55% to 85% CaF2 and the ore is amenable to flotation, producing more than 98% CaF2.
48
The flotation product is suitable for the chemical industry (acid grade > 97% CaF2). The
deposit contains rare earths (probably in monazite and pyrochlore) (Cilek, 1989). Woolley,
2001 indicates that the massive fluorite mineralization occurs in the zone between the
carbonatite and the fenite. Blue and yellow fluorspar, rich in Be, Sr, Y and La, occurs in
masses up to 20m thick (Woolley, 2001). Mont Muambe has an estimated resource of
1.42 Mt at 75-81% CaF2, which makes it a medium sized deposit.
Globe Metals and Mining have completed first phase drilling on the Mont Muambe deposit
targeting areas of known fluorite mineralization. Specific REO targets require further
mapping and sampling to fully define the targets before drilling. This initial programme
indicated multiple zones of high-grade fluorite mineralization, with significant REO grades.
It appears as if the fluorite-REO mineralization is associated with a north striking
carbonatite/fenite contact. Fluorite-REO mineralization occurs in subhorizontal zones
ranging from a few metres up to about twenty metres thick.
Although the true widths of intercepts are uncertain, significant fluorite intercepts varied from
3-15 m with CaF2 content of 11.6-62.2%. The most significant intercepts were in borehole
MURC001 from 0-15m with 43.6% CaF2 and MURC011 between 18 and 33 m (15m) at
41.1% CaF2 (Stephens, 2011). Although not the area selected for rare earth mineralization,
three intercepts were tested for their REO content. Very encouraging results were achieved
(Table 13) with LREO enrichment especially in the carbonatite whilst HREO enrichment was
associated with fluorite in fenite. As a result of the positive results, the other intercepts will be
tested.
Figure 21: The Monte Muambe project location
Source: Stephens, 2010
6.9.4. Transport and energy infrastructure
It is about 35 km from Sena rail line and about 70 km by road from Tete. The Zambezi River
is about 25 km from the deposit. The nearest substation in 2000 was about 42km distant.
49
Table 13: Significant results from trench MATR001 (main anomaly) – N. Machinga
HOLE
FROM
( M)
TO
( M)
WIDTH
(M)*
L A2 O 3
(PPM)
C E2 O 3
(PPM)
N D2 O 3
(PPM)
E U2 O 3
(PPM)
T B2 O 3
(PPM)
D Y2 O 3
(PPM)
E R2 O 3
(PPM)
Y B2 O 3
(PPM)
Y2 O3
(PPM)
TREO
(PPM)
HREO
(PPM)
HREO:
TREO
MURC001
0
11
11
590
1049
458
32
16
100
58
50
611
3,306
996
29.9%
INCLUDING
5
7
2
746
1298
576
46
23
142
81
71
856
4,317
1,411
32.8%
MURC001
74
82
8
4,574
5,245
980
28
17
103
57
49
648
12,303
1,029
10.9%
INCLUDING
77
81
4
5,929
6,866
1,283
36
20
122
66
55
747
15,900
1,202
9.0%
MURC011
0
8
8
547
924
365
26
16
112
83
88
1182
3,650
1,638
45.9%
MURC011
22
33
11
665
1,149
444
27
15
104
75
79
970
3,866
1,400
38.4%
MURC013
28
52
14
255
515
284
53
25
129
46
32
596
2,326
1,081
46.6%
INCLUDING
28
46
18
281
575
319
62
29
145
50
35
647
2,594
1,200
47.7%
INCLUDING
50
52
2
368
467
252
50
28
173
67
43
925
2,656
1,493
55.9%
Source: Stephens (2011)
*Note: Only selected rare earth elements are included in the table therefore the TREO column is more than the sum of the
individual REO results presented
6.9.5. Conclusion
The positive relief of the Mont Muambe deposit will allow low cost open cut mining. The ore
will be crushed, milled and passed through a flotation concentrator to produce the acid
grade, which is likely to be exported at that stage. The relative proximity to the rail means
that once there is sufficient capacity the material can be easily transported by rail. However it
is therefore essential that there is sufficient capacity on the Sena line (unless transport down
the Zambezi becomes feasible) for this deposit to be developed. There will also be a
requirement for power at the plant.
6.10. Gold
6.10.1. Introduction
In Mozambique gold occurs in the northern province of Lichinga close to the Tanzanian
border, southwest of Nampula in association with the pegmatite field, in the Zambezi SDI to
the NW of Tete towards the Zambian border and in the Beira SDI towards Zimbabwe. These
separate gold provinces are clear in Figure 22, which shows all of the known gold deposits in
Mozambique as at 2002.
Gold deposits occur in the Tete Province and in the Manica Province in the west and
northwest of the project area. They occur in four geological settings (Callaghan 2002a):
Gold associated with the greenstone belt assemblage within Archaean rocks and which
are similar to other goldfields in cratonic and cratonic edge positions in Zimbabwe,
South Africa, Australia and Canada;
Gold associated with younger but similar rock types northwest of Tete;
Various alluvial deposits occurring generally associated with the Archaean gold belts;
and
Gold occurring as a by-product in rock comprising quantities of specialist minerals
associated with late phase igneous intrusions.
The discussion of the gold deposits in Mozambique in Callaghan 2002a is thorough, and will
not be repeated here. It is important to note that in the interim there have probably been only
minor changes to the information available, except for the market and price which are
discussed below, and that the issues of importance (to be discussed in the conclusion) relate
to what happens to the gold after mining.
50
Figure 22: Gold deposits in Mozambique
31°
14°
32°
I
57
B
33°
54
56.3
56.2 60 58
34°
35°
14°
56.1
A
59
62
M
A
61
63
64
65
67
Z
15°
15°
111
108
115
131
119
116
118
133
146
Cahora
Bassa
Za
mb
ezi
Riv
er
MALAWI
260
16°
16°
315
E
W
B
A
405 407
445
404
419
426
429
447
452
450 466 468
482
485
479
486
I nd
i an
Oce
an
19°
Z
20°
18°
B
19°
367
393
M
18°
17°
I
17°
350
412 Cantão*
410 Marianas*
409 Damp*
408 Morondo*
406 Estrela*
414 Old-Wednesday*
404 Mimosa
367 Passaru
119 Casula
315 Luenha
275 Cacanga*
260 Cansunça
146 Ponfir-Vubuè
118 Monte Nhamissale
116 Metosso
115 Catôa
67 Luangua
65 Messucuzi
64 Tchindundo
63 Mulolera
441 Paradox*
62 Alto Mepuli
440 Rosalina*
60 Chifumbazi
439 Joana*
61 Muendi
438 Herminia*
59 Alto Vubuè
437 A Rir*
58 Cacabanga
436 Donkey*
57 Malau-Chibalane
435 Colonelle*
56.3 Sta.Isobel
434 Brown*
56.2 Chibalene
433 Gold-Kop*
56.1 Fundão
432 Perdras Douradis*54 Missale
431 Laugh*
468 Mavita
430 Ivone*
466 Mussapa1
428 Mulato*
393 Caurezi
427 Capitaite*
350 Caniaculo
425 André*
133 Mecucuè1
424 Hong-Wong*
131 Capoche
423 Firenza*
111 Mese
422 Two-Fools*
108 Cabongo
419 Chimezi
486 Mussapa2
318 Chua*
485 Rotanda
416 Exelsior*
482 Xivume
413 Morgan*
479 Yankee-Grab
* Owing to the scale of the map and the close
proximity of the deposits in the Manica region
these deposits are not shown.
0
50
100km
31°
32°
33°
34°
20°
35°
POSITION OF GOLD DEPOSITS AND OCCURRENCES IN
THE PROJECT AREA LISTED IN ORDER OF RANKING
(Modified After The Republic Of Mozambique (2000) 1:1000 000
Map of Mineral Deposits and Occurrences)
Source: Callaghan 2002a
6.10.2. Market
The most significant difference in the gold market today is the dramatic increase in price
over the last 10 years (Figure 23). Furthermore, demand is currently on a 10 year high
(World Gold Council, 2011, Figure 24), with annual demand growing 9% to 3,812.2 t. It is
significant that jewellery demand has increased – perhaps showing that the economic
downturn experienced in the previous few years is now over. Asian buying has been
vigorous and central banks have now become net purchases of gold. Not surprisingly India
51
was the strongest growth market with total consumer growth (chiefly in the jewellery sector)
at 66% above 2009. China showed a 70% growth in investment bars and coins in 2010.
The gold price is showing signs of further strengthening and Mark Cutifani CEO of
AngloGold Ashanti, speaking at the Reuters Global Mining and Steel Summit, said that gold
may reach $1,600 per ounce in 2012.
6.10.3. Deposits
Early work
The Manica mining field situated in the southwestern part of the Manica Province, near the
town of Manica has been a long term source of gold in Mozambique with early discoveries
dating back to the 1500s. Early alluvial gold discoveries were made in the Luenha River (a
small deposit some 40 km south-southwest of Tete) and its tributaries: Mazoe, Medzi and
Cauresi as well as near Zumbo on the Zambezi River. Evidence of workings occurs near
Changara and extends to Zimbabwe.
Early colonial foraging parties exploited mainly alluvial and eluvial gold in the Manica district.
In 1565, a Portuguese expedition arrived at the Manica mining field. In 1888, Colonel Paiva
d’ Andrade claimed the Manica gold mines for his “Compahnia de Mozambique” and since
then the records of gold mining operations in the Manica district have been recorded in
documents of the Fomento Mineiro de Manica (Callaghan, 2002a). In the late 1800’s there
was a gold rush in Manica and by 1900 there were 23 gold mining companies operating in
the area (Ferraz and Munslow, 2000) with 140 individual proprietors of small mines and
1 300 claims registered. Some 9.53 t of gold was extracted from the area in the next 50
years. During 1948/49, lack of finance and technological expertise as well as the relatively
low gold price post World War II resulted in a decrease of production.
Figure 23: Gold price (2001-2011)
Source: www.kitco.com
52
Figure 24: Global gold demand and gold price 2004-2010)
Source: GFMS, LBMA as shown in World Gold Council 2011
Manica gold mining field
The Manica Greenstone Belt forms the easternmost portion of the Odzi-Mutare-Manica
Greenstone Belt (OMM). The OMM extends for 140 km from the Save River towards the
east, through the Odzi and Mutare districts in Zimbabwe and is truncated in Mozambique by
the Mozambique mobile belt. The greenstone belt forms a synclinal structure in the east and
the easternmost 60 km portion has been regarded as productive. Of this the 25 km that
occur in Mozambique is referred to as the “Manica Greenstone Belt” (Callaghan, 2002a).
The official gold production (up to 1996) for the Manica goldfield is 9.8 t, of which 80% was
derived from alluvial placer deposits. However, gold sold on the black market and preindustrial production was probably significant and the estimated production from 1889-1996
was estimated to be 11.5 t. It is likely that a considerable resource remains; the Mintek
report estimated 4 t of lode gold and 19 t of placer gold to remain as a resource in the area
(Callaghan 2002a).
Four types of gold deposits occur in the Manica Greenstone Belt:
Gold associated with banded ironstone formation;
Gold occurring in quartz veins,
Alluvial gold and
Gold as a by-product in deposits hosting principal ore of a different commodity.
In 1986, a resurgence of the gold price led to a rejuvenation of gold mining activity in the
Manica region and agreements were made with international companies to further mining
development.
In 1987 ALMA (Aluvioes de Manica) was established as a joint venture between the
Mozambiquan government (20%) and Lonrho (80%) to concentrate on the alluvial deposits.
Benicon bought the mining rights of Lonrho in the Manica Province. Benicon mined in
Manica from 1992 to 1997 when the gold price declined.
Ferraz and Munslow, (2000) indicate the following as zones of interest in the Manica district:
MuKudo – close to the head of the Revue River
Marondo close the head of the Chua river
Chihururu (Chua valley)
53
Nhahombwe, near the IFLOMA sawmill, Penhalonga
Ndirire, Revue River after the IFLOMA sawmill
Nhamachato, a suburb of Ndirire
Chua pothole mine
Andrade, on the Revue’s left bank (Note that Macuahub (2011f) reports that the
Mozambican government is carrying out feasibility studies to reopen a number of old
mines including Andrade.)
Revue II in the area between Manica City and the Mavonde bridge
Chimese River
Musa River
Nhamacuarara mine
Mimosa zone
Ferraz and Munslow, (2000) indicate that artisanal gold mining is carried out mainly by
peasants as a survival activity, often only seasonally, but that agriculture is the preferred
activity. Dondeyne and others (2009), point out that about 20,000 people were taking part in
artisanal mining when they did their research and that they produced some 480-600 kg of
gold per year.
More than 30 vein gold deposits are known to occur in the Manica Mining Field. Most have
been exploited including Braganca, Cantao, Chua, Damp, Estrela, Excelsior, Guy Fawkes,
Marianas, Old Wednesday, Richmond and Two Fools (Callaghan 2002a).
A few of the mines are mentioned below but since there has only been limited activity since
the Mintek reports not much has changed here except for the market and the reader is
referred to the reports by Callaghan and Walker for more information. It is important to note
however that several of the deposits are currently being subjected to feasibility studies.
6.10.3.1. Monarch Mine
The Monarch gold deposit was mined (underground) from 1931 to 1949. Some 0.48 t of
gold and 0.15 t of silver were produced. The Canadian company Mincor Resources Inc
reopened the mine in 1993 and output was reported at 93 kg. The company intended to
double output capacity and complete a drilling programme. However, the mine was closed in
about 1997 and was on care and maintenance in 2002. The mine has had grades of up to
6.4 g/t and the focus of mining was mainly on the oxidised zone. Samples from Monarch
contained 26% metallic sulphides and oxides, including 10.06% magnetite, 10.28%
pyrrhotite, 4.82% pyrite and 1.5% arsenopyrite. The gold content averaged 10 g/t. The gold
occurs both as free particles and in pyrite or other sulphides. The pyrite contains 3.5 to
9.2 g/t Au. (Callaghan, 2002a).
6.10.3.2. Braganca
Sub-level mining at the Braganca vein gold deposit during 1903 to 1916 produced 0.51 t of
gold at a grade of 15 g/t. At Braganca and Guy Fawkes the veins have been traced to
depths of 150 to 200 m.
6.10.3.3. Dots Luck
The mine is near Nampula, south of Nacala railway, near the N1 highway. It has an
estimated resource of 5.2 tonnes of gold metal at an average grade of 2.44 g/t. The
distribution of gold in the ferruginous quartzite is generally irregular across orebodies
approximately 50 to 250m long with thickness between 2 and 30 m. Mining has taken place
down to a depth of 90m. Macuahub (2011f) reports that the Mozambican government is
carrying out feasibility studies to reopen a number of old mines including Dot’s Luck.
54
6.10.3.4. Fair Bride
The Fair Bride mine has shown grades of up to 7.1 g/t in ferruginous quartzites. Some rich
pockets of gold have been recorded. At this mine 10 kg of gold was extracted from a pocket
containing 1 200 g/t gold! It is estimated to have a resource of 19.94 t of gold at an average
grade of 2.39 g/t. It has previously been abandoned and is currently undergoing a feasibility
study.
6.10.3.5. Guy Fawkes mine
The Guy Fawkes mine is a vein deposit mine in the Manica Mining field. The veins have
been traced out to about 200m. It has an estimated resource of 1.7 t of gold metal at 2.8 g/t.
This would give an approximate ROM tonnage of 600 kt. The mine has been abandoned but
due to the high gold price there is a mining feasibility study underway.
6.10.3.6. Johnny Walker mine
Banded ironstone formations or ferruginous quartzites have been mined at the Johnny
Walker Mine. The average grade of gold in ferruginous quartzites here are 6 g/t. Mining has
occurred to a depth of 20-30 m in the Johnny Walker Mine.
6.10.3.7. Alluvial deposits in the Manica mining field
In Mozambique, alluvial deposits occur in regions where the primary gold is hosted in
banded ironstone formation and quartz veins. In the Manica Mining Field, alluvial gold occurs
in the Revuè, Inhamucarara, Chua, Chimeze, Zambuzi, Musa, Inhamazonga and Munene
rivers. Grades vary considerably and reserves are estimated at 19.2 t.
Revué River valley alluvial workings have produced at least 8.5 t gold in the past. Since the
dredge that was working the sediments had a depth capability of only 7.6 m there may still
exist here a considerable resource between 7.6 and approximately 10 to 12 m.
6.10.3.8. Namama deposit
The Namama project is in the Mejele area approximately 100 km southwest of Nampula.
The area is accessed via sealed roads from Nampula. The Nacala rail line is some 50 km to
the north. The project is situated on the Namama Belt of mid- to late Proterozoic age metasediments, mafic and ultramafic volcanics and intrusives, and granitoid gneisses. There are
at least three phases of folding in the area. A 10 km thick iron sulphide unit (possible
gossan) with a strike length of some 7 km (although more than 40 km has been indicated
from aeromagnetic data) is characterised by pyrite or pyrrhotite mineralization. Chalcopyrite
was recorded in the area in the past and early reconnaissance sampling in this project
identified a zone of anomalous gold values approximately 3 km wide, and 12 km in strike
length. African Eagle has undertaken stream panning, geological mapping, trial pitting,
trenching and soil sampling. A 200 x 200 m grid soil sampling program identified several
anomalous zones (Armitage, 2007).
6.10.4. Conclusion
The gold price is stimulating new developments worldwide and Mozambique is no exception.
Pan African Resources has announced plans to begin gold mining in the Manica Province of
Mozambique by 2012. A feasibility study is reported to be under way, to be followed by an
application for a mining licence. If the study is positive and licence application successful an
open-pit operation producing 30 000 oz of gold per annum is envisaged. Other gold mining
of an artisanal nature, both vein and alluvial deposits, continues in the Niassa Province as
well as Manica Province. Although continued support from the state especially in terms of
providing energy where required is important, it is the nature of gold mining that where the
price of gold is good the gold will be mined if the mining is at all feasible.
55
The mining of gold by artisanal miners appears from the studies of Dondeyne and others
(2009) to be inadequately controlled. None of the ‘designated areas” during their study were
in gold rich areas, and river siltation and pollution continue unchecked (Dondeyne et al,
2009).
The challenge lies in monitoring the process and in adding value to the gold within the
country. Although the downstream route for gold is not long, it requires less financial support
than most other beneficiation projects and little in the way of transport facilities. The success
of a jewellery sector is as much about political will than anything else. The beneficiation of
Mozambique’s gold production will add considerably to the value of exports and to the
provision of jobs for craftsmen.
6.11. Graphite
Graphite is such a fundamental contributor to industry and especially to future power
applications that Agrawal Graphite Industries of India commented “No Graphite, no
industry.” (Feytis, 2010).
6.11.1. Market
The impact of the global recession on the industrial sector caused a significant drop in the
graphite market during the last quarter of 2008 and during 2009 the market remained poor.
However the Chinese government continues to discourage exports with export duties. In
January 2008 a duty of 20 % was imposed. However, stocks remain high so that exploration
and new mine startups are not expected to get off the ground until fears of a “double dip” in
the world economy are past, and strong growth is recorded.
Graphite is currently a growth market, with refractories remaining the largest end use,
accounting for around one third of the total production of natural graphite. Modernization of
the steel and iron industries in North America and Asia will consume large volumes of
graphite, however future growth in this sector is likely to be lower than the growth in steel
production since unit consumption of refractory material per ton of steel is falling as new
steel mills are installed, especially in China.
Part of the increased demand is because graphite has replaced asbestos in brake linings
and pads. This also has current significance in Mozambique since asbestos was recently
banned for use in the country. The growth of the lithium-ion battery market is expected to
have a significant immediate effect on graphite demand, whilst fuel cells will provide ample
future demand. Feytis (2010) indicates that the world market is expected to be short of
graphite in 2020 due to the lithium-ion battery sector demand.
The major players in the carbon and graphite market exert a good deal of market control,
key players include the Cabot Corporation, Carbone Lorraine, Evonik Degussa, Grafil,
GrafTech International, HEG Ltd., Hexcel, Mitsubishi Rayon, Morgan Crucible, Morgan
Industrial Carbon, Nacionale de Grafite, Nippon Carbon, SGL Carbon, Showa Denko
Carbon, Superior Graphite, Toho Tenax, Tokai Carbon, Toray Industries and Zoltek
(miningtopnews, 2010). Due to tightening supplies control has shifted more towards miners
in the last year.
The top producers are (production capacity and country given in brackets) Jixi Liumao
Graphite Resource Co. Ltd, [80-90 ktpa, China] Heilongjiang Aoyu Graphite Group Corp.
[80 ktpa, China], Chenzhou Luteng Crystalline Graphite [70 ktpa, China], Nacional de Grafite
[70 ktpa, Brazil], Karabeck Metal and Mining [50 ktpa, Turkey], Zavalyevsky Graphite
Complex [40-60 ktpa,Ukraine], Qingdao Hensen [38 ktpa, China], Extractive Metaquina [3040 ktpa, Brazil], Lubei Yxiang Graphite [30 ktpa, China], Jilin Graphite Industry [30 ktpa,
China], Qingdao Heilong, [30 ktpa, China], Luobei Yiyang [30 ktpa, China] (Roskill, 2009, in
Feytis, 2010).
56
In the past the US, which has no natural flake graphite production, has imported large
amounts of graphite from China, however quality and human rights issues, as well as
China’s resistance to exporting scarce resources, militate against increasing this import.
Although Mexico is close to the US, most of its graphite is amorphous and as a result not
suited for some applications (fortunegraphite, 2010).
Although all sectors of the graphite industry are expecting significant demand improvement,
some analysts project that graphite will show an exponential increase due to its use in PEM
fuel cells (fortunegraphite, 2010). By mid 2010 supply, especially from China – the world’s
largest producer was tight. European producers have been shutting down in recent years,
mainly due to the exhaustion of deposits (Feytis, 2010). Africa has good graphite potential
but, Feytis (2010) quotes Rill from Superior Graphite as saying that the interest in in African
deposits is “from a quality perspective but geopolitical and logistical issues will be
hindrances”.
6.11.2. Properties and applications
Graphite products are used in applications such as batteries, brake linings, refractory
products (especially high purity flake graphite) in foundries and lubricants (graphite is
resistant to oxidation and to heat up to 310ºC). It is also used in electrical applications due to
its good electrical conductivity.
Thermal technology and acid-leaching technique developments allow for higher purity
graphite powders to now be produced and this trend is likely to lead to the development of
new applications for graphite in high technology fields. This advanced technology has lead to
the use of improved graphite in carbon-graphite composites, electronics, foils as well as
friction materials and specialised lubricant applications. Innovative graphite product lines
such as “graphoil” (a graphite cloth), will lead to a growing market.
The use of graphite in fuel cells remains the most exciting new use although once the pebble
bed reactors start to come on-line (note that South Africa has dropped its research and
development efforts, but China is still following through), this will represent a significant
usage. The core of a pebble bed reactor contains fuel-free machined graphite spheres at
various stages together with fuel.
6.11.2.1. Graphite Structure
Graphite consists of sheets of hexagonally bonded carbon atoms forming stable planar
lattices. These sheets are connected with very weak bonds (Van der Waals forces) to other
sheets. Additionally graphite is chemically inert, even at high temperature, and it has superb
thermal and electrical conductivity. This unique combination of properties makes graphite
valuable for a wide range of special applications especially in lubrication, even in situations
of high temperature and pressure, as well as in applications where the resistance to
aggressive chemicals and oxidation become important.
6.11.2.2. Fuel cells
Of particular importance is the application in fuel cells that could consume as much graphite
as all other uses combined (Olson, 2010). The most advanced type, the proton exchange
membrane (PEM) fuel cell, is expected to become a significant power source within the
coming decade.
Fuel cell applications will include stationary and mobile units and they may be used as part
of the heating system for individual households as well as for power plants (Graphit
Kropfmühl, 2005). It is expected that an early application of the technology will be to market
portable units supplying up to 100 W of electrical power to laptop computers. Promising trials
have taken place using PEM Fuel Cells for vehicles where they provide a higher efficiency
57
than conventional internal combustion engines (Graphit Kropfmühl, 2005). About 45 kg of
graphite is used in each cell stack for a motorcar.
6.11.3. Reserves and resources
Letlapa’s estimate of the Mozambican resource is relatively small at about 10 Mt compared
to the world inferred resource of more than 800 Mt.
6.11.4. Production
China and India are the leading producers of graphite, accounting for nearly 85% of global
graphite production (Table 14). China’s graphite production is expected to continue growing.
New graphite mines have opened in Canada.
6.11.5. Price
Prices have been static for 2 years with little change in most categories. As an example
prices for large flake crystalline graphite +80 mesh ranged from $900 and $1,500 over the
period January 2008 to November 2009 (www.indmin.com).
Table 14: World graphite 2009 production and reserves
Country
Mine Production (kt)
Reserves (kt)
Zambia
nd
4e
Brazil
77
360@
Canada
27
China
810
55,000
3
1,300
India
140
5,200
Korea, North
30
Madagascar
5
940
Malawi
nd
150e
Mexico
10
3,100
Mozambique
0
46e#
Norway
2
Other countries
5
Sri Lanka
3
Czech Republic
Ukraine
4,900
8
Total
1,120
71,000
e
Source: Olson (2010), and own estimates, @ Feytis 2010 gives Brazilian reserves at the
nd
2 highest at 34.5% of the total!. nd = no data
Estimated resources for Mozambique are much higher and may be in excess of 10 Mt, further work
needs to be done to confirm reserves
6.11.6. Substitutes
Although graphite is not easily substituted, artificial graphite can be made from petroleum
coke. In steel making it may be substituted with scrap and calcined petroleum coke. In the
case of foundry facings finely ground coke with olivine has been used. Molybdenum
disulphide can be used as a dry lubricant, but is not ideal because of its greater sensitivity to
oxidising conditions (Olson, 2010).
58
6.11.7. Graphite Deposits
The area under consideration is rich in potential for the production of high grade flake
graphite. A summary of the deposits is given in Table 15
6.11.8. Mozambique
Graphite deposits occur in seven of the provinces in Mozambique, i.e. Cabo Delgado,
Manica, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, and Zambézia. All graphite occurrences are found
in Proterozoic gneisses and schists. Graphite concentrations often occur close to
limestones.
In Mozambique, exploitation of graphite dates back to 1911 when mining commenced in the
Angónia district of the Tete Province. Three mines, Metengo-Balame, Mauè and Satèmua,
were in operation until 1955 (Callaghan, 2002a). Ancuabe was the most recent graphite
mine producing; it was in operation until 1999 and had a capacity of 10 ktpa of high grade
flake graphite concentrate (more than 98% carbon). The high cost of diesel fuel as well as
inelastic world prices led to it being put on care and maintenance (Pekkala et al, 2008).
Table 15: Graphite resources in the study area
Locality
Ancuabe
Status
Resource
Other
Operated 1994-1999,
Current: Care and
Maintenance.
Feasibility:
Graphit Kropfmuhl
Graphite#
~1-3 Mt
35Mt ore @ 3-10%#
~720 kt - 2.6Mt Graphite*
24Mt @ 3-11% Graphite
Licensed to Grafites de Ancuabe S.A.R.L.
Graphite content 3-10% of the large-flake
variety
Abandoned
>3kt
Mining started in 1951, reached an annual
production of 300t
Chimutu$$
Evate – Utoca
Gegaia
Occurrence
Gorongosa
Occurrence
North of Gorongosa
>2.5 kt graphite
2,500 t grading 70-74% C exported in 1953,
C Volatiles:1.87%;
Graphite:91.79%;
ash: 6.18%
Jagaia
Occurrence
Near Itotone
Katengeza
(Malawi)
157 kt Graphite
2.7 MT Ore @ 5.8%
Proven 1.7 Mt ore PSD >.25mm$$
Abandoned
Itotone
Lynx Mine
(Zimbabwe)
Production stopped
Occurrence
Macossa
Mauè
Abandoned
Mazeze
Metengo
Balama
Metocheria
Near Karoi ~120 km south of Cahora Bassa
dam
Abandoned
Small deposit
Big graphite crystals in stockwork and veins
in anorthosites
540 kt Graphite
3.6 Mt @ 15-20%
13 km E of Mazeze and N of the main road
Mazeze-Pemba
Occurrence
Stockwork and veins in anorthosites Big
graphite crystals
Occurrence
Vein
172 kt Graphite
1.72 Mt @ 10% C
W of Monte Jocolo mountain 5 km E of the
deposit Rio Uanapula. Zone is 4 km long,
10-20 m wide with a 35° inclination.
1.843 Mt graphite
Graphite zone of 3-5 km in length, thickness
15-60 m, C content 17.15%. The reserves
Monte Jocolo
Monte Nipacue
59
Locality
Status
Resource
10.75 Mt @17.17%
Other
up to a depth of 10 m, are estimated to
10,750 kt of graphite ore.
Namapa
Concentrated to 78% with 70% recovery
Nhamassonga
35 km northwest of Tete. Analysis at export:
C volatiles: 1.4%, Graphite: 49%,
Ash: 47.82%
Nhankar
Small Deposit
17.2kt Graphite
2 layers in gneiss and crystalline limestone
4.88 kt graphite (11.7%)
Flakes and up to 4 mm (mainly 0.4-2 mm) in
quartz-albite schist. Processing trials,
produced concentrates with up to 78%
graphite at a recovery of 70%.+
Njoka
(Zambia)
Otaco-Ancone
Abandoned
Was mining in 1953
15% C
In the eastern Province, it consists of gneiss
with flake graphite. Processing trials,
produced concentrates (up to 87% flake
graphite) with a poor recovery (39%). Due to
the intimate association of mica with
graphite.+
Inactive
387 kt Graphite
3.87 Mt Ore @10-17%
Graphitic zone with 30° inclination is 9-10
km long, 10-20 m thick. 10 km N of Mazeze,
the original deposit Mazeze, which had been
mined intermittently in the past
Inactive
774kt Graphite
5.16 Mt @ 15-20% C
Graphitic gneisses form a zone 3 km long
40-60 m wide. The zone trends NW-SE with
inclination of 5°. 17 km NE of Metoro and
near the road Pemba-Ancuabe
Inactive
180kt Graphite
1.2 Mt @15-22% C
The graphite zone is 8 km long, 20-70 m
thick , with massive graphite
Satemua
Inactive
650 kt contained graphite
to 100m
Graphite zone 1.2 km strike, 40 m thick,
dipping at 40-60o NE Crystalline
disseminated flakey graphite can be floated
to 94% C.
The deposit is about 1.3 km long, with an
average thickness of 40 m and an incline of
40-60°. Flotation tests concentration to 94%
C, 1% of moisture and 5% ash can be
obtained. Opencast mining is feasible.
Simbe
Occurrence
973 kt graphite to 20 m
6.49Mt @ 15-20% C
9 km NE of the river Megaruma. 3 km long,
50-70 m thick, inclination 25-30°. Massive
flaky graphite
6% C $$
PSD>0.25mm $$
Petauke
(Mkonda)
(Zambia)
Rio Megaruma
Rio Muaguide Ivanca
Rio Uanapula
Taquinha
Tuinchi
(Malawi)
Various sources
# Cilek, 1989
* Pekkala et al, 2008
+
Mitchell, 2009
$$
Malunga, 1997.
60
Graphite deposits in Mozambique occur mainly in high-grade metamorphic zones
(amphibole or granulite facies) in metasedimentary graphitic rocks. Secondary enrichment of
graphite in veins, fractures and fillings is fairly common due to regional ultrametamorphism.
In Angonia, the graphitic zone is highly metamorphosed (granulitic-charnockitic facies)
containing several areas rich in primary and epigenetic graphite. The Angonia region is
known to host epigenetic graphite crystals (up to 15cm in length), which occur in stockworks
and veins of hydrothermal origin (Callaghan, 2002a).
6.11.8.1. Ancuabe
The abandoned Ancuabe mine and dressing plant are located 100 km west of the port of
Pemba. Grafites de Ancuabe Lda. stopped production and placed the mine on care-andmaintenance due to the cost of supplying its own electricity using diesel fuel. Since then,
Electricidade de Mozambique included the Ancuabe mine in its Cabo Delgado province rural
electrification project. Power lines have been extended to the site of the mine from the
national grid. Timcal and Kenmare have considered re-opening the mine.
Club of Mozambique (2010a) quoting the Maputo-based daily Noticias, has reported that
Graphit Kropfmuhl is interested in exploiting graphite deposits in the Ancuabe district of
Cabo Delgado Province. The national director of mines, Eduardo Alexandre, is reported as
saying that Graphit Kropfmuhl AG aims to begin mining graphite in Ancuabe in the first half
of 2012. Graphit Kropfmuhl AG wants to launch an exploration programme at Mazeze in the
Chiure district, where deposits of graphite are confirmed in two areas. The feasibility study
will be submitted to the government in the first quarter of 2011 (Club of Mozambique,
2010a).
The Ancuabe graphite deposit occurs as a zone 4 km long and is about 80 m thick (Mining
Journal, 2000). Three ore types have been identified: primary ore, containing some 4.3%
graphite (up to 50 m thick); eluvial ore containing 4.43% graphite (3m - 9 m thick); and
colluvial ore containing 4.65% graphite (up to 80 m thick). The eluvial and colluvial ore make
up about 15% of the deposit. It is estimated that total resources of some 35 Mt exist in the
area (Mining Journal, 2000). Mitchel (1993) ran bench scale tests on three samples of
Ancuabe graphite (fresh core with 11% graphite, weathered rock with 13% graphite and
eluvial soil with 9% graphite). Air classification produced concentrates with up to 73%
graphite and up to 71% recovery whilst froth flotation produced concentrates with up to 90%
graphite and a recovery of up to 72%. In the case of the froth flotation test up to 85% of the
head material was first rejected with air classification.
Bateman set up a 7.5 ktpa multi-stage flotation process, followed by drying and screening to
recover marketable graphite (Bateman, 2010 I see Figure 25).
6.11.8.2. Satemua
Satemua is in the northeast of Tete province in the Angonia district. The graphite deposit
occurs as veins and as eluvial material. The Satemua deposit is reported to contain over
5.6 Mt of ore grading some 6% graphite to a depth of 30 m (Mining Journal, 2000, Cilek,
1989), and a total of 650 kt of Graphite to 100m (Cilek, 1989).
6.11.9. Zambia
6.11.9.1. Njoka
The graphite occurs in a quartz albite schist in the Eastern Province (53 km west of Lundazi,
1.6 km northwards from the Lundazi-Kazembe gravel road). Ore reserves to a depth of 5 m
are 41,460 t containing 4,880 t graphite with an average grade of 11.7% fixed carbon
(Ministry of Mines, 2010). Flakes up to 4 mm long (typically 0.4-2 mm) occur. Laboratory
61
processing trials, using single stage froth flotation, produced concentrates with up to 78%
graphite at a recovery of 70% (Mitchell, 2009).
6.11.9.2. Petauke
The graphite occurs in gneiss in the Eastern Province (north of Petauka). The deposit has a
grade of 15% flake graphite. Processing trials produced high grade concentrate (up to 87%
flake graphite) but low recovery (39%) was achieved due to the intimate association of mica
with graphite (Mitchell, 2009).
Figure 25: Ancuabe Graphite plant
Source: Bateman, 2010
6.11.10. Malawi
6.11.10.1. Chimutu
Cooper (1949) indicates that the “main graphite area” is west of a line between Chimutu and
Kwinyimbe Hill. Funds for exploratory work were approved prior to 1999 (Malunga, 1999).
6.11.10.2. Katengeza
A feasibility study carried out in the 1990s indicated that the Katengaza deposit near Dowa
(60 km NE of Lilongwe) had a 2.7 Mt ore resource averaging 5.83% graphite, giving a
carbon resource of 157 kt (Malunga, 1999; Pitfield, 2009) of flake graphite. Of this resource
1.7 Mt is proven (Malunga, 1999).
6.11.10.3. Kongwe Mission
A graphite occurrence ranging from about a metre to more than 30 m in thickness and
containing 5-10% graphite in graphite gneiss occurs near the Kongwe mission station
(Cooper, 1949).
6.11.10.4. Lobi
Resources at Lobi are roughly estimated at 5 kt. The ore contains 4.2% carbon with a
possible recovery of 86% of crucible grade flake graphite being achievable.
62
6.11.10.5. Ntcheu and Lilongwe Occurrences
Malunga (1999) indicates that there are significant, undelineated resources at Ntcheu and
Lilongwe.
6.11.11. Strategy
Since a relatively good concentrate can be achieved using air classification, the ideal
situation would be to air classify graphite to produce a 50% or better concentrate before
transportation to a central processing point for final concentration. Since Graphit Kropfmühl
has an interest in the deposit at Ancuabe it might be worthwhile for the Mozambican
government to enter into discussions with them to produce high value end products within
Mozambique from material sourced within the region.
6.12. Iron and steel
From an infrastructural point of view the fact that the best iron opportunities identified are in
Tete is both positive and negative. Positive if the intention is to go downstream and produce
steel locally, but negative if the idea is to use the same rail as the coal exporters to export
ore.
6.12.1. Market
Iron ore is used almost exclusively for iron making and in the production of directly reduced
iron (DRI), a raw material required to make crude steel. In a world perspective, crude steel
production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association was estimated to be
119 Mt - an increase of 5.3% on January 2010 (Hunt, 2011). The estimated crude steel
production mentioned in Callaghan 2002a was 800 Mt, since then production has risen
markedly and reached a peak before the economic crises of 1.352 bt in 2007 (see Figure
26). In 2008 about 2 bt of ore produced some 932 Mt of iron and 66 Mt of DRI. When
combined with over 475 Mt of scrap steel, this results in about 1.323 bt of crude steel
(Worldsteel, 2009).
Southern Africa holds 1% of the world’s iron ore reserves. South Africa is the largest steel
producer in Africa (21st in the world) with 8.3 Mt produced in 2008, and is the 4th largest
exporter (30.3 Mt in 2008). The biggest exporters of iron ore in 2007 were Brazil (269.4 Mt),
Australia (268.6 Mt) and India (93.7 Mt) (Worldsteel, 2009). Very different from the Mintek
report however is that the importing pattern is fundamentally dissimilar. In that report it was
stated “The Western European countries (142 Mt) and Japan (132 Mt) are the largest
importers.” (Callaghan, 2002a). In 2008 the largest importer was China (383.1 Mt) followed
by Japan (138.9 Mt) and South Korea (43.7 Mt). (Worldsteel, 2009). This pattern bodes well
for countries on the eastern seaboard of Africa since they are close to the new markets that
have developed. Prices have followed a pattern similar to the demand/supply pattern with a
peak in September 2008 of $98 per tonne. A sharp drop-off occurred due to the economic
crisis but demand soon increased again with a concomitant increase in price. The price at
the end of 2010 was $123/t. The prices from 2001-2010 are shown in Figure 27 and it is
clear from this that the price now at about $123 is significantly better than the one mentioned
in Callaghan (2002a) for January 2002 when it was $69 (and that was considered a high
price at the time since in the longer term prices had been in the area of $50/t). This has a
significant impact on the feasibility of iron ore projects.
63
Figure 26: World crude steel production 1950-2008
Source: Worldsteel, 2009
Figure 27: World iron ore prices 2001-2010
World Iron Ore Prices 2001-2010
140
120
100
80
$/t
60
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Source: Data from Worldsteel, 2009
64
6.12.2. Deposits
6.12.2.1. Changara
The Changara Project area covers 525 km2 and is underlain by lower Proterozoic rocks of
the Rushinga Group which flank the northeastern margin of the Zimbabwe Craton. Baobab
Resources Plc considers the area, which hosts numerous occurrences of zinc, lead,
manganese, iron ore, fluorite, copper and silver, to be highly prospective for SedEx / Broken
Hill Type polymetallic base and precious metal mineralization (Baobabresources.com).
Baobab Resources Plc has signed a Joint Venture Agreement between Southern Iron
Limited and the Company's wholly owned Mozambique subsidiary, Capitol Resources
Limitada in respect of the Changara deposit. Southern Iron may earn up to 80% interest in
the project in a staged approach of investment, exploration and definitive feasibility studies.
The Joint Venture is expected to accelerate exploration. Previous work carried out by
Baobab identified several Broken Hill type base metal and manganese targets. Field
activities were due to commence in September 2010 (Reuters, 2010c). There is insufficient
information on this project to consider it any further at this stage.
6.12.2.2. Chitonge (Zambezi SDI)
See Section 6.12.2.11
6.12.2.3. Honde (Beira SDI)
The Honde deposit located along the banks of the Honde River, is a medium-sized
sedimentary (banded ironstone formation – BIF) iron deposit approximately 55 km northeast
of Manica. It was investigated in the past by Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB)
International. The deposits were estimated to contain some 100 Mt of ore at an average
grade of 38% iron.
6.12.2.4. Lupata
This is a small titaniferous iron deposit with an estimated resource of 12,3 Mt.
6.12.2.5. Machédua (Zambezi SDI)
See Section 6.12.2.11
6.12.2.6. Massamba (Zambezi SDI)
See Section 6.12.2.11
6.12.2.7. Mont Muande
Mont Muande is a large magmatic iron skarn deposit about 25 km northwest of Tete. The
resource estimate was given in Walker (2004) as 220 Mt of magnetite and 75 Mt of apatite.
Phosphate is considered deleterious in an iron feedstock and has always been seen as a
major drawback of this deposit. The Mont Muande was already recognized to have a notable
resource in the 2002 Mintek report and it hosts both magnetite and apatite mineralization
with the figures given in Callaghan (2002a) being: magnetite content: 26.9%; apatite content:
9.2%.
Baobab Resources plc announced the signing of a joint venture with North River Resources
plc on 15 November 2010 in which Baobab has the right to earn up to 90% equity in the
project. Since the previous corridor studies completed by Mintek, Omegacorp delineated an
anomalous corridor of iron (>15% Fe) and phosphorus (>1% P) extending from the original
prospect area 4 km to the southwest during 2006-2007 (Trading Markets, 2011).
65
The deposit can bee seen as an adjunct to the Tete titanomagnetites (6.12.2.11) bit is also
discussed further in this report in section 6.21.5.4 as a phosphate deposit.
6.12.2.8. Muenguè skarn (Zambezi SDI)
The small Muenguè skarn deposit is located about 35 km southwest of Fingoe in the Tete
Province (Callaghan 2002a).
6.12.2.9. Rioni-Tenge (Zambezi SDI)
The medium-sized Rioni-Tenge titanomagnetite deposit is situated about 55 km northeast of
Tete and is hosted by Ecca Group rocks of the Karoo Supergroup (Callaghan 2002a).
6.12.2.10. Singore deposit (Zambezi SDI)
See Section 6.12.2.11
6.12.2.11. Tete titanomagnetites (Zambezi SDI)
The Tete titanomagnetites outcrop in the basic gabbro-diorite Tete Complex. They were
initially described during the construction of the railway line and have been known since the
early 1900s. Many of the previously named deposits fall into the area currently being
investigated by Baobab Resources plc. They can be broadly seen as the Tete
titanomagnetites or the Singore and Massamba titanomagnetites at this stage.
When the Mintek study on the area was done, there had not been any clear identification of
a significant large deposit in the Tete complex. The mineralogy of the orebodies is fairly
constant, consisting predominantly of intergrown magnetite and ilmenite. Many attempts
have been made to separate the two minerals in the past, however, these efforts had not
always been successful at the time of the Mintek study (Callaghan, 2002a).
Exploration licences held by Baobab Resources, currently cover the Singore and Massamba
vanadiferous titanomagnetite deposits of the Tete Mafic Complex (see Figure 28). Baobab
commenced exploration in 2008 and has completed an aeromagnetic survey, field mapping
and sampling and metallurgical bulk sample test work. Baobab has identified magnetiteilmenite mineralization over a strike length of 8 km in the Massamba area.
The project includes two zones of magnetite-ilmenite mineralization, Massamba Group in the
north and the Singore zone in the south. The Massamba Group zone is 8 km long and
comprises five prospects (Chitongue Grande, Pequeno, Caangua, Chimbala and South
Zone).
The Chitongue Grande prospect, has a 47.7 Mt JORC inferred resource with a head grade
of 25.3% Fe, 0.18% V2O5 and 9.69% TiO2 (announced to AIM on 24 September 2009), with
a possible resource established by independent interpretation of 400-750 Mt to 250m depth.
However, internal partings of non-mineralised waste material may not be preferentially
mineable and would dilute the recovered grade. An estimate of the average concentrate
grade is 63.7% Fe, 0.068% V2O5, 4.86% TiO2, 1.3% SiO2, 2.75% Al2O3, 0.001% P and
0.37% S.
In a mass recovery study it is considered that significant improvement of the mass recovery
could be achieved by blending Chitongue Grande feed with other, high recovery feedstocks
(Baobab, 2010). The study showed that the ilmenite concentrate in particular might then be
further processed to produce a saleable concentrate. Finally the report showed that based
on a 300 Mt resource and 10 Mtpa mill throughput (see Table 16) the Tete project is likely to
be economically viable if a magnetite mass recovery of 30% and a 15% credit for the V2O5
component of the ferro-vanadium concentrate could be achieved. It identified key
66
sensitivities to include: strip ratio, mass recovery, concentrate grade, V2O5 credit, resource
base and mill throughput rate (Baobab, 2010).
Figure 28: Baobab holdings on the Tete Complex
Source: (Baobab, 2010).
Table 16: Scenario parameters for scoping – Tete Iron ore project
Resource Base
300 Mt
Mill throughput
10 Mtpa
Mine Life
30 y
Magnetite concentrate production
3 Mtpa
Magnetite concentrate grade
69% Fe / 0.8% V205
Ilmenite concentrate production
1.2 Mtpa
Ilmenite concentrate grade
50% TiO2 / 12% Fe
Capital Expenditure
$542 M
Operational Expenditure
$34/t (concentrate)
Transport (rail/port)
$21/t (concentrate)
Iron ore
$0.90/dmtu
V2O5 (assuming a 15% credit)
$32/kg
TiO2
$80/t (concentrate)
Source: Baobab, 2010
However even in the short period since the scoping was done there have been significant
market changes. The price of iron ore price at the end of February 2011 stood at
$1.8718/dmtu (see Figure 29, indexmundi.com), more than double the price used in the
scoping study. This will have a significant positive effect on the project. Furthermore ilmenite
price forecasts are at $100 plus for the foreseeable future compared to the $80/t used in the
study.
67
6.12.2.12. Tsetserra, Mocuta, Cepucuto and Xigundo deposits (Beira SDI)
The Tsetserra, Mocuta, Cepucuto and Xigundo deposits are small iron deposits which
occur in BIF in the Mavita area.
6.13. Downstream opportunities associated with Tete Magnetite
6.13.1. Market and Technology
Because new vanadium rich alloys have a high strength-to-weight ratio, vanadium
consumption in steel manufacture has increased by 7% per tonne of steel produced over the
past 10 years. Analysts speculate that the 2011 Japanese earthquake crisis will further
increase demand for vanadium rich high-strength low alloy steel, in which the vanadium
adds strength whilst producing a lighter alloy (Creamer, 2011; Van der Linde, 2011).
Forecast steel demand for 2011 is 5.3% up at 1.3 bt (estimated before the Japanese
earthquakes), since 85-90% of vanadium produced currently is used in steel manufacture
(Van der Linde, 2011), the demand increase for vanadium is likely to be higher than 5%.
Figure 29: Price of iron ore
200
Price of Iron ore
180
US cents per dmtu
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
Fe
b08
Au
g08
Fe
b09
Au
g09
Fe
b10
Au
g10
Fe
b11
Fe
b07
Au
g07
Fe
b06
Au
g06
0
Source: Indexmundi.com
Non-ferrous vanadium alloys used in the aerospace and nuclear industries are also showing
growth. Vanadium compounds are also used as catalysts and in the ceramics, glass, and
dye industries. The market for vanadium is likely to be considerably strengthened by a
recent breakthrough in the vanadium redox battery. A new electrolyte mix has been found to
increase the energy capacity of these batteries by as much as 70%, reducing costs and
offering wider usage options (Vanadium Investing news, 2011).
New approaches to the recovery of vanadium from vanadium-bearing titaniferous magnetite
ores, are being actively researched worldwide and the Australian resources company TNG
Limited (ASX: TNG) announced on the 10th January 2011 that it had agreed with Mineral
Engineering Technical Services Pty Ltd (METS) to jointly apply for full international patent
protection for a new hydrometallurgical process to treat vanadiferous titanomagnetites. The
process was tested on the Mount Peake and other Australian vanadium projects (TNG,
2011).
The older pyrometallurgical process, which involved roasting followed by leaching is known
to be environmentally unfriendly, is capital intensive and can have a high operating cost. The
alternative hydrometallurgical approach developed by TNG and METS utilises the acid
68
leaching, solvent extraction and stripping to selectively recover the metals (TNG, 201). The
positive testing of the process on a variety of Australian deposits indicates that it may well be
useable in Mozambique on the vanadiferous titanomagnetites in Tete. This could lower costs
and make the Massamba deposits more profitable. This is an area that deserves detailed
analysis in a full spatial study with regard to the precise nature of the ore and processing
options as well as all of the reagents likely to be needed as well as the possible downstream
dynamics.
The Maputo Metallurgical Complex discussed in Walker (2004) was based largely on
sourcing magnetite ore resources imported from Palabora mine in South Africa and blending
it with local ore. The Palabora Mining Company (PAM) has recovered and stockpiled
magnetite since it started production in 1965 (Figure 30). PAM now sells two products
developed from the stockpile; the first product developed was medium grade dense media
separation magnetite. However since October 2006 PAM has been supplying magnetite
concentrate to China National Minerals via Maputo and Richards Bay. The initial agreement
was for the supply of up to 2 Mtpa. Last year it was reported that a 50 ktpa plant to convert
iron-ore fines into metallic briquettes for use as a scrap supplement in electric steelmaking,
would be developed in Phalaborwa. This is seen as a precursor of a new technology
(Finesmelt) to a much bigger $120 M project to produce 500 ktpa of briquettes (Creamer,
2010).
Figure 30: Palabora Mining Company 240 Mt Magnetite stockpile
Source: /www.palabora.co.za
Notwithstanding these developments which are likely to use 3 Mt or more of the PAM
magnetite per annum it must be remembered the current production of magnetite by the
mine is in the order of 3 Mtpa (2009: 2.845 Mty, 2010: 2.993 Mt), or in other words there still
remains a resource of some 240 Mt on surface. Thus the MMC project as described by
Walker (2004) may still be a possibility if the Chibuto heavy mineral sands project goes
ahead.
The second iron project described in Walker (2004) was for the production of sponge iron by
directly reducing the ore with Moatize coal. This line of thought appears far more positive for
the SDI and needs centred attention as a comparative project to the hydrometallurgical route
in future in-depth studies.
6.13.2. Opportunities
The opportunities presented here are dependent on the precise nature of the ore. However
from the indications so far it appears that the ore from Mont Muande and that from the
Massamba-Singore prospects may have to be treated differently. However some of the
69
material from the Massamba-Singore project may well be able to be blended with the Mont
Muande ore. It is clear that the current rail system will not be able to manage any further
outgoing material unless it is considered to be of high value. Furthermore, there is a need to
find other uses for the coal and energy being produced so that value and jobs can be added
to the economy and stress taken off the rail. It would therefore be ideal to treat all of the iron
ore locally to produce steel. If the ilmenite concentrate is suitable it would also be ideal to
smelt it locally. In the light of this new and significant discovery in Tete, and in the context of
the degree of development in the coal mines, it is clear that for the foreseeable future any
idea of continuation with the previously proposed Maputo Metallurgical Complex should take
second place to the production of steel in the Tete region.
Dependent on detailed analysis of the ore, the Mont Muande ore could be calcined and
reduced on a fluidised bed on site, using coal from a local mine. The calcined magnetite will
then be smelted. Options would be using a DC arc furnace using electricity produced from a
local power plant or to use a blast furnace – possibly using the cheaper pulverized coal
injection (PCI) technology (if PCI were to be produced locally) to produce pig iron. Using PCI
would allow highly priced coking coal to still be available for the local production of coke for
export, whilst the lower quality material that cannot withstand the transport costs could be
used in the steel making process (see section 6.5.6.9 for more detail)
Dependent on the precise nature of the ore from the Massamba- Singore projects this ore
may also be feedstock for this process. However if it needs to be treated using a
hydrometallurgical technique, the final product will still be a feedstock for the next stage of
steel production.
High purity pig iron smelted from ilmenite produced locally from the Massamba- Singore
project, or if unsuitable transported from a coastal ilmenite smelting facility may then be
mixed with the pig iron, blown with oxygen to oxidize excess carbon and converted to mild
steel. Most of the product will be then cast to produce mild steel products. Once the Mont
Muande and Massamba- Singore projects are mining and producing pig iron, the Nacala line
will be complete and the Tanzanian and Burundian laterites should be in production.
Ferrochrome from South Africa and laterite from Tanzania or Burundi can then be imported
and the balance of the steel can be mixed with this imported ferrochrome and ferronickel,
decarburised and continuously cast to produce austenitic stainless steel products.
6.13.2.1. Spatial Impact
The spatial/geographical impact of the successful construction and operation of a plant to
treat Mont Muande and Massimba-Singore ores would be significant. Firstly it would provide
a variety of iron and steel products in the heart of the Tete district, which will soon be
experiencing an unprecedented (in Mozambique) growth, and which will require a
considerable amount of steel products. Assuming the products are sold at a sensible price
determined from cost + profits price rather than at import parity price, this will supply steel at
an excellent price into this market stimulating significant industrial growth possibilities,
especially since there should be no shortage of power in the region. Export of high value
excess steel products will be by the rail, and will essentially be replacing lower value coal
products used in the process (especially if PCI is used). Because of the demand for rail
usage by the coal industry it will make no sense to export raw ore from Tete.
6.13.2.2. Project Viability
The options presented here do rely heavily on as yet incomplete exploration of the Mont
Muande and Massamba-Singore project areas. However, assuming those projects to lead to
a viable mining option, this developmental line is much more positive for Mozambique than
the alternative presented in Walker (2004) since it assists in the take off (which is currently a
problem that can be foreseen) of Tete power-station electricity as well as coal to reduce the
70
pressure on the rail. At the same time high value products will be produced inland in an area
experiencing strong growth. All in all a very positive scenario and one which is considered
highly probable if the ore proves to be of a suitable grade and the resource sufficient.
6.13.3. Conclusion
The Tete iron project and Mont Muande represent the most important iron ore deposits
currently known in the Tete region. The projects are about 33 km by road from the city of
Tete and from the nearest connection to the current course of the Sena rail line. It is some
6 km from the Zambezi River.
It is likely that this project will move to a mining phase within the next 5-10 years and a
detailed study of the dynamics of various scenarios of export and local value addition and
the impact that they will have on the SDI should be considered.
Figure 31: Spatial dynamics of the magnetite project
Source: Modified after Walker (2004)
6.14. Kaolin
Kaolin has been produced in the past in the Alto Ligonha pegmatite field but more often
regarded as a waste product. Surprisingly, Pekkala (2008) indicates that kaolin has in the
past only been produced as a by-product by the Ribaue pegmatite. In light of new
developments in Mozambique it may be worthwhile to consider a plant to upgrade the clay
minerals of the area. Kaolin and other clays have a major input into a variety of
manufacturing processes. An in-depth study of the interconnectiveness of the new mining
economy in Mozambique is clearly called for to estimate possible mineral input interactions
and mass balances.
Industrial minerals can be very valuable and in the case of kaolin (dependent on grade and
treatment) prices can range from around $50 to as high as $600 per tonne. Cronwright
(2005) reports that reserves of washed kaolin at Boa Esperanca pegmatite are 3,500 t, with
71
a further 390 kt of kaolinitized pegmatite untested, and that reserves at Muaine are
calculated at 3.315 Mt. The pegmatites at Marropino, Naipa, Naquisuppa and Boila are also
kaolinitized (Cronwright, 2005; Pekkala, 2008).
The uses of kaolin are varied and it may be worthwhile to touch on just a few that may have
a bearing in the area. Kaolin could be mixed with local graphite to produce pencil lead. It is
widely used in the manufacture of pesticides due to its high absorption ability; pesticides are
vital for the growing agricultural economy of the study area. It is used in pharmaceuticals and
since Vale has announced that they are looking at the opening of a pharmaceutical factory
there may be a take off for high grade kaolin in limited quantities. Due to its rheological and
other properties kaolin is widely used in ceramics and in the manufacture of a range of
sanitary ware and tiles. Its colour and heat resistance are the chief characteristics that make
it useful in the plastics industry as a filler.
Pekkala et al (2008) points out that the commercial production of bricks in many districts is at
a standstill, however where the demand is high artisanal brickmakers produce bricks locally
for the market. Artisanal brickmakers often utilize unsatisfactory raw materials and consume
large quantities of firewood contributing to devegetation with the concomitant environmental
problems. Mozambique has large clay deposits and as coal becomes more available
Mozambique should encourage major brickworks at growth points throughout the country.
6.15. Lithium
Currently supply easily meets lithium demand. However as the need for and popularity of
hybrid and electric cars grows there will be a great need for lithium, which is used in
manufacturing the batteries. The total amount of potentially available lithium worldwide has
been estimated at 15 Mt, of which 6.8 Mt is currently economically recoverable. Using the
figures of 6.8 Mt of lithium and 400g of lithium per kWh this gives a total maximum lithium
battery capacity of 17 billion kWh, which is enough for approximately 320 million electric cars
with a 53 kWh battery (21.2 kg Li per battery). This type of demand may lead to significant
shortage of supply for structural metallic applications and for batteries in other industries
(NTC, 2010). Note however the counter argument of the TRU group; supply growth is seen
to continue to outstrip demand, projects in the pipeline as well as expansions at existing
mines could increase capacity to 40 ktpa within the next decade, lithium prices which fell in
2010 still remained depressed in January 2011. TRU (2011), indicates that the brine-based
producers Chemetall, FMC and SQM have a natural cost advantage and that “Only a select
few new projects could make it into profitable production…”. Argentina has recognised the
growing importance of lithium and in March 2011 the governor of the Jujuy Province
announced that lithium was a strategic mineral, and that all lithium projects must be studied
by an expert commission before approval by either local or National authorities (Resource
Investing News, 2011).
Anderson (2011) sees the lithium demand at just over 25 kt in 2011 and increasing steadily
to around 53 ktpa by 2020 (see Figure 32). Anderson (2011), considers that lithium batteries
which accounted for 14% of the total lithium demand in 2007 will account for 40% of the
demand in 2020, mainly for use in electric car batteries. Based on the supposition above that
an electric car with a 53 kWh battery will use 21.2 kg of Li per car Anderson foresees one
million electric cars per year being produced by 2020.
Attention needs to be paid during in-depth studies on regional studies to the lithium potential
of the area.
6.16. Limestone
Extensive limestone deposits are developed in the tertiary Cheringoma Formation, which
extends for about 100 km in a NNE to SSW direction from Muanza in the south to north of
Inhaminga. To the north of the Muanza-Urema road, good quality limestone was discovered
72
in the localities of Codzo, Nhangatua, Conduè, Massiquidze, Muanza and Muerèdzi (from
north to south). The last three deposits are the best, with stable thickness and quality. The
southernmost deposit on the river Muerèdzi has a CaCO3 content over 85%. The deposit
has a medium sized limestone resource of 10,23 Mt. In the whole area, there may be
possible reserves of several hundred million tons (Callaghan, 2002a).
Major limestone production is only taking place at Salamanga for CIMOC’s Matola cement
plant. Coral limestone from Relanzapo near Nacala is mixed with imported clinker for cement
production in the Nacala plants of CIMOS and ARJ Group. CIMOS has a third plant close to
Beira in Dondo which uses limestone from Muanza quarry. Mozambique's limestone
resources were reported to be nearly 39,8 Mt in 1995 (Mozambique Ministry of Mineral
Resources and Energy, 1995 as quoted in Afristone, 2011).
Figure 32: Lithium demand curve
Source: Anderson 2011 (TRU Group)
Cimentos de Mocambique Sarl produces cement at its Dondo, Matola, and Nacala plants,
which together had a total capacity of about 960 ktpa in 2008 (Yager 2011). However Afrique
Avenir (2010) reports that current capacity is 500 ktpa and that the aim of 1 Mtpa is still to be
reached. Macuahub (2011c) reports that a new grinding unit at the Cimentos de
Moçambique cement factory in Matola is expected to double production capacity to 1.2 Mt by
May 2012. A new grinding unit is also being installed at the Dondo cement plant Matola
plant. Cimentos de Moçambique studies have indicated that Mozambican cement
consumption will be 1.5 Mtpa in 2014 and 1.8 Mtpa in 2018 (Macuahub 2011c).
Cimpor planned in 2008 to build a kiln at Dondo with a capacity of about 550 ktpa and to
increase the clinker grinding capacity at Dondo to 600 ktpa from 240 ktpa, in the case of the
Dondo plant the mill was being installed in August 2010 (Afrique Avenir, 2010). In April
2009, Cimentos de Nacala S.A. restarted production at its cement plant at Nacala (Yager
2011).
73
The South African group Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) was reported to be planning to
build a $200 M cement factory in the south of Mozambique with an installed cement capacity
of 600 ktpa. Planned construction was expected to begin early in 2011 (Macuahub, 2010b),
however there is no indication of this project on the PPC website. The British company
Consolidated General Minerals has also been reported to have announced plans to build a
$ 24 M, 110 tonne per hour plant for clinker processing and cement packing at the port of
Beira (Macuahub, 2011b, Cgmplc, 2011)).
Mozambique’s cement consumption increased to about 1 Mt in 2009 and since demand
could not be locally met, cement imports increased (Yager 2011). Cement consumption is
expected to show strong growth in the future and reach 1.5 Mtpa by 2015.
If the nepheline syenite factory to produce cement, alumina, soda ash and potash goes
ahead, Mozambique will easily meet its own cement requirements and will become a net
exporter of cement
Cement and coal industries tend to go hand in hand since in the normal process of cement
production from limestone, silica, iron oxide and alumina, coal is used to heat the kiln in
which the raw material experience partial melting at 1450oC to produce clinker. The clinker is
then mixed with gypsum to control setting speed and ground to a fine powder. Cement kilns
burn about 5 t of coal for every 10 t of cement produced. But the relationship of coal and
cement is deeper than that. Coal combustion products (CCPs) are by-products of coal burnt
in power stations. They include fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag and flue gas desulphurisation
gypsum and can be used to supplement cement in concrete in certain applications (World
Coal Institute, 2008).
6.17. Monazite
Monazite occurs widely in the study area in heavy mineral sand deposits as well as in rare
earth and other deposits. Most commonly it would be seen as a mineral, which may tend to
present environmental threats, however, it is the major ore of thorium and as such will
almost certainly become a major fuel source in the medium term. Thorium is likely to replace
uranium as a nuclear fuel and several countries including China and India are currently
researching this technology. The advantages over uranium reactors are significant including
safer operation (the reaction is not critical – it is stimulated by a photon beam and stops
once the energy input is stopped), the waste products have a shorter half life and of course
thorium is much more common that uranium. It is interesting to note that Great Western are
in talks with South African mines that produce monazite as a by-product to reprocess it for
them, creating an opportunity for both companies. In many cases the fundamental problem
with separating out the monazite as a byproduct is that the companies do not have a licence
to store and process radioactive products. Since Great Western now has a licence to store
radioactive products at its mine in Steenkampskraal, it has overcome this hurdle (Hill, 2011).
6.18. Nepheline syenite
The situation regarding the abundant nepheline syenites in Mozambique does not appear to
have changed significantly since the previous report was written except in the aspect that
there is now adequate coal available for the project. African development is beginning to
gain momentum and the requirement for cement inland is likely to show a clear upturn as
development continues which should further enhance the project potential. Besides the good
revenues that could be earned from this project from alumina and especially clinker the
aspect that has greatest direct developmental potential relates to the downstream industrial
processes that are made possible with the availability of potash and soda ash. This project
would also allow Mozambique to provide “complete” NPK fertilisers to the market. In the
meantime the demand for nepheline syenite and feldspar, which was under pressure a few
years ago, is increasing and is forecast to reach 12.8 Mt by the year 2015 (Global, 2011).
74
6.18.1. Overview
Mozambique has extensive nepheline syenite deposits. Although the preliminary work done
by Mintek showed (based on a few grab samples) that the silica and iron content may be
higher than ideal, the Mozambican nepheline syenites still represent a significant deposit to
mine with an expected mine life of about 200 years. Mining of these deposits for the
production of clinker, alumina potash and soda ash opens up important industrial
opportunities for Mozambique. Certainly this update of the scans would support the
development of nepheline syenite mining if the deposits can be shown to be of sufficient
quality when they undergo a full feasibility study, as well as supporting the proposed
downstream route given in Callaghan (2003) and Walker (2004). One important note is that
the project can only be viable based on the Russian process and that the technology
licences would have to be sourced. It is also important to understand that although this is
often seen as an alumina producing process it is rather a cement producing process with
alumina, potash and soda ash as important by-products. It is stated in Callaghan (2003) that
“An examination of the plants presently in operation unequivocally shows that they are
essentially cement producers with alumina, potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate
representing by-products. For every 1 t of alumina, 10-12 t of cement is produced and about
0.5-1 t of potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate in total. …. Due to the lower quality of
the Mozambican nepheline, which has less Al2O3 and more SiO2 than the Russian material,
the rate of cement and alumina is likely to be in the order of 15:1.”
6.18.2. Spatial Impact
The spatial impact of a successful construction and operation of the nepheline syenite plant
in the general area of Dona Ana (see Figure 33) as previously suggested will open up
another industrial hub along the Sena rail route and provide long term growth (> 100 years of
resource) to the area as well as making productive use of coal and energy provided by the
development of the coal mines in Tete. Taken together with the proposed development of a
steel mill based on iron from Mont Muande, Singore and Massamba, the cement production
will provide the essentials of building a modern economy. Meanwhile the other by-products
will provide important raw materials to further develop agriculture and the manufacturing
industry. The development of the railway to Nacala and connection through to Malawi and
with it the rest of the Nacala corridor are important to the movement of the cement (as
clinker) for export into central Africa where demand will easily be met as well as for export.
The demand for cement may be dramatically increased over the next 10 years since the
Japanese economy will also need to rebuild after the disaster that they had in March 2011.
6.18.3. Project Viability
There are several issues to be dealt with here. Firstly the most important issue to ascertain
to establish viability is the overall quality of the ore in the various deposits. Assuming this
shows that it is viable to mine the deposit for local production using the Russian process
then it is important to establish whether there is sufficient limestone of a suitable quality
available for a long term manufacturing project like this. It is likely that there is sufficient,
since limestone is plentiful in the area, however this should form a part of an in-depth study
of the project as a whole. Obtaining the technology licence could be a further hurdle, whilst
finally the development of an industrial complex to ensure maximum beneficiation of the byproducts is important to Mozambique to ensure that the full benefit from the project filters
through to the local economy. As stated in Walker (2004) “The viability of establishing a
nepheline syenite project in the Zambezi Valley SDI rests on the degree to which the outputs
(alumina, soda ash, clinker/belite mud, and potash) are beneficiated further. The spin-offs
arising from the establishment of a plant utilising the soda ash by-products will be of
significant economic value to the Mozambican economy.” Further requirements are well
dealt with in Callaghan (2003) and Walker (2004).
75
Figure 33: Spatial dynamics of the nepheline syenite project
Source: Walker (2004)
Note: Although not shown in this figure it will probably be ideal to export the majority of the excess clinker through
Nacala once the transport routes are finalised.
6.19. Niobium (columbium) and tantalum
Tantalum is an important input into a variety of modern equipment including such diverse
items as cell phones, DVD players, PCs, digital cameras, LCD screens, jet turbine blades
and nuclear reactors. Minerals containing tantalum and niobium are generally restricted in
the Alto Ligonha pegmatites to the massive feldspar and sodalithic zones, however they may
also occur in the wallrocks as they do in the Muhano and Majamala pegmatites (Pedro,
1986, reported in Cronwright 2005). These minerals are economically important especially
considering the current strong demand for tantalum. Pekkala (2008) reports that Marropino
is the only pegmatite being exploited for tantalite on a commercial scale.
In January 2010, the US Frank-Dodd financial reform bill came into effect requiring US
business to “state whether they source ‘conflict minerals’ from both Congo and neighboring
countries” and to “report on steps taken to exclude conflict sources from their supply chains,
backed by independent audits.” (Reisman, 2011). This international crackdown on sourcing
tantalite from conflict areas has exacerbated the general scarcity and led to the sharp price
rises.
The tantalum market is growing by 5% per year (PAW, 2010). However supply has been
under pressure for some years (see Table 17) and the suspension of mining at the worlds
largest tantalum mine (Wodgina, in Western Australia) in December 2008 which had been
producing 30% of the supply until that point shook the market considerably, and led to
Mozambique being the world’s number two producer in 2009.
76
The expected market recovery during 2011 could see tantalite prices rising to above $120 a
pound as industry looks for ‘ethically mined’ ore outside of the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC). The DRC is currently the top global producer (Taylor, 2010). The price rise
has continued unabated and a graph showing the prices over the last 5 years can be seen in
Figure 34. Tantalum is not openly traded and actual prices may vary considerably from those
recorded as official prices. It appears that actual prices paid for Ta2O5 passed $120 in
January 2011. Development of tantalum production outside of the DRC is now seen as a
priority and Commerce Resource Corp's Blue River Project in British Colombia, intends to
produce up to 1 M lb of tantalum per year from late 2012. Existing stockpiles of tantalum
could run dry within two years (Taylor 2010). Reisman, (2011) has speculated that the
Wodgina mine would come back on stream if tantalum prices move above $100-120, but
one must also keep in mind exchange rates and it is the price in AUS$ that will determine
when Wodgina reopens.
Table 17: World tantalum production – Tantalum content
Country
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009e
Australia
973
985
854
478
441
557
81
Brazil
156
148
216
176
180
180
180
Burundi
6
5
9
3
9
16
16
Canada
55
57
63
56
45
40
25
Congo (DRC)
30
20
33
14
71
100
87
Ethiopia
25
45
49
57
52
37
37
Mozambique
54
205
81
27
56
110
113
Namibia
36
11
-
-
-
-
-
Nigeria
21
5
5
10
20
25
20
Rwanda
41
49
68
46
120
120
104
Somalia
-
-
-
-
-
3
2
Uganda
4
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
Zimbabwe
4
4
-
-
-
-
-
1,390
1,520
1,380
870
872
1,190
670
Total
Source: Papp, 2009, Papp, 2011
Figure 34: Price for Tantalite of African Origin over the last 5 years
Source: MetalPrices.com
77
In January 2011, Global Advanced Metals announced the reopening of its Wodgina mine in
Australia. At full capacity Wodgina can produce 1.4 M lbs of Ta2O5 or about 30% of the world
supply. Global plans to initially produce at 50% capacity or 0.70 M lbs per year.
6.19.1. Deposits
6.19.1.1. Kanyika
Globe Metals and Mining are planning to bring the Malawian multicommodity (Nb, Ta, U, Zr)
Kanyika niobium project into production in 2013. The project, which is expecting to initially
produce 3 ktpa of niobium metal, chiefly as ferroniobium has a JORC compliant measured
resource of 5 Mt with an indicated resource of 18 Mt and an inferred resource of 37 Mt. The
contained Nb2O5 is estimated at 174 kt (Swanepoel, 2010, 2010a, Globe, 2010b). Resource
estimates for the deposit are given in Table 18. The deposit is 2.3 km in strike length and up
to 300 m wide with a maximum depth of 250 m. A possible extension of about 1.5 km exists
to the south, but has not yet been drilled, whilst there is also a possible down dip extension
of high grade mineralization in the north (Globe, 2010b). A map of the mineralised zones
striking at 020o and dipping towards the west at 40-80o can be seen in Figure 35. In this
diagram, the mineralised zones were defined from local geology using a 2000 ppm cut off.
The price of niobium reached $23 per kilogram last year (2010) and it is expected to firm into
the future.
Figure 35: Mineralised zones at the Kanyika deposit
Source: Globe, 2010b
Power supply
Globe has recently appointed Moto-Engil to conduct a study into the power supply options
for the mine – including options such as hydro and diesel power Figure 36. The study will
encompass a review of existing surveys of water flow in local (Bua and Dwangwa) river
systems (Globe, 2011). The need for this study highlights the power distribution challenges
experienced in the Spatial Development Initiatives. It points to the need for detailed
temperospatial analysis of the mining and mineral based development options, their
interaction and interconnectivity.
6.19.1.2. Marropino
Noventa holds a series of licences in the pegmatite field (See Figure 37) and is intending
serial mining of the deposits.
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Table 18: JORC compliant mineral resource estimates for Kanyika
Category
Mt
Nb2O5 cutoff grade = 1500 ppm
Nb2O5 ppm
Ta2O5 ppm
U3O8 ppm
ZrSiO4 ppm
Measured
5
3900
180
110
5300
Indicated
18
3100
140
80
4800
Inferred
37
2700
130
80
5100
Total
60
2900
140
90
5000
Nb2O5 cutoff grade = 3000 ppm
Measured
3
5400
250
160
6600
Indicated
7
4400
200
110
5900
Inferred
11
3600
160
90
5600
Total
21
4100
180
110
5800
Source: Globe 2010b
Figure 36: Power options for the Kanyika project
Source: Globe 2010b
Noventa shut their open pit mine down in May 2009 due to the cost of production and it
planned to open again once grid power was delivered. The plan was to increase capacity to
nearly 230 tpa of tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5). The latest information available from Noventa
79
is an indicated resource of 7.396 Mt grading at 223 ppm Ta2O5 for a contained content of
3.635 M lbs Ta2O5. This equates to 1.65 kt Ta2O5 . The resource was calculated on a cut off
grade of 150 ppm Ta2O5. (Noventa, 2010). Noventa considers mine infrastructure to be good
but that the processing plant requires a major upgrade. Historical recovery has been less
than 35% and with a new flowsheet that has been designed Noventa hopes to bring
recovery up to an average of 65% over the life of mine. Based on the throughput plan the
Marropino mine has sufficient ore for a further 3 and a half years of operation. Noventa
intends to mine the Morrua deposit and to relocate the crushing and wet concentration plant
to Morrua. Noventa announced in February 2011 that it had completed the construction of its
new integrated comminution circuit – the first major step in the upgrade of its processing
plant.
Figure 37: Noventa’s Tantalum holdings in Mozambique
A new tantalite processing unit will be inaugurated in the last week of March 2011 in
Zambezia province. The unit was imported from Australia in 2010 and will process 30-50
tons of ore per hour (Macuahub, 2011a).
For further information see section 6.20.3.6.
80
6.19.1.3. Morrua
The Morrua pegmatite is about 40km NW of the Marropino mine. It comprises a series of
thin, overlapping, flat-lying pegmatite bodies. During the period 1957 – 1979, 1.9 kt of
concentrate was produced with a Ta2O5 content of 1.3 kt (Callaghan 2002b quoting Savine,
1980, and Hunting, 1985). Minor amounts of gold have also been produced. The mine was
abandoned in 1979 and intermittently worked up to 1985.
Once the Marropino resource is exhausted Noventa intends to move to full scale mining at
the Morrua deposit first working the stockpiles then the hard rock deposit. Pre-concentrate
produced at Morrua via the comminution and wet concentration circuits (which will be moved
to site) will be transported to the processing plant for concentration.
Estimated indicated resources are 4.65 Mt @ 510 ppm contained Ta2O5 and inferred
resources are 3.12 Mt @ 392 ppm. This equates to 3.595 kt Ta2O5. The resource was
calculated on a cut off grade of 150 ppm Ta2O5 (Noventa, 2010).
For further information see section 6.20.3.10.
6.19.1.4. Mutula
Noventa intends this deposit to be next in line after it has exhausted the Morrua deposit.
However, dependent on the results of current studies there may be a decision to supplement
the current Marropino feed with feed from Mutala. Estimated resources are 2.4 kt of
contained Ta2O5 (Yager 2011). Noventa (2010) indicate that a report by SRK gave SAMREC
compliant inferred resource of 10.3 Mt @ 236 ppm contained Ta2O5. This would equate to
2.431 kt Ta2O5.
Currently Scott Wilson is contracted to Noventa to prove the resource and the Mutale
deposit is undergoing a detailed topographic survey and a 50x50 m sampling and pitting
programme (Dibb and Hacket, 2010).
6.19.2. Mining
Mining these pegmatites is relatively straightforward comprising free digging by excavators,
or ripping, breaking and stockpiling by dozers. Blasting is very rarely required. Broken ore is
loaded onto trucks for transport to processing facilities. The biggest challenges occur in
optimising mining in the zoned deposits (Callaghan 2002b).
6.19.3. Processing
The new plant at Marropino will follow the processing flow described here.
ROM ore is screened and crushed in the comminution circuit, the –1mm fraction is sent to
the concentrator plant whilst coarser material progresses to further stages of crushing. The
–1mm fraction goes to a dry separation plant where it passes through a number of
processes to remove mica, and separate the material into three different fraction sizes to
improve recovery using principally teetered bed separators. The material is then sent to the
wet concentration plant and undergoes gravity separation with spirals and shaking tables to
separate tantalite from waste (See Figure 38). Efficiency of gravity separation processes is
much enhanced with a very narrow size range and individual circuits can by “tuned” to give
the best separation for a particular size grade range. Constant checks in the plant and
through laboratory analysis will allow feedback loops to be set up so that the plant gives the
best results at any point in time. Middlings of the coarser material will be returned for further
milling in a new regrind mill – further processing of this material will make use of the
refurbished current plant set up to reduce overall cost (Dibb and Hacket, 2010).
The wet plant concentrate is dried and sent to a dry concentration plant where it will be
screened and further upgraded through multiple passes over air tables, magnetic separators
81
and an electrostatic separator. Finally the concentrate is blended and packed into sealed
drums for shipment to the customer (Dibb and Hacket, 2010).
Figure 38: Simplified Marropino flowsheet
Source: Dibb and Hacket, 2010
Figure 39: Theoretical magnetic separation of concentrate
Concentrate
Screen
Crusher
Magnetite
(Ferromagnetic)
Mill
Low intensity magnetic separation
Tourmaline
Cassiterite
(Non-Magnetic)
High intensity magnetic separation
Tantalite and possibly Wolframite
(Paramagnetic)
Source: Callaghan, 2002b
82
6.19.4. Conclusion
Noventa (2010) reports that projected saleable tantalum for Marropino and Morrua mines is
some 6.21 million pounds of contained Ta2O5 based on processing 13.27 Mt of ore at
384 ppm Ta2O5 and a recovery of 63.76%. Project life is estimated at 9.3 years. Payback of
capital should be achieved 20 months after project start-up. The base case pre-tax project
NPV is $69.76 million assuming a 10% discount rate, and the indicated pre-tax IRR is
62.23%. It is important to note that the assessment was done based on a base price of
$60.32/lb Ta2O5 for Marropino and $45.50/lb Ta2O5 for Morrua; well under the expected
prices for the future. The current plan to mine deposits with a partly mobile plant was
suggested in Callaghan, 2002b and it is clear that this increases the feasibility of these
projects significantly.
Both Kanyika and Morrua-Marropino present excellent projects and it is essential that such
projects receive support in the supply of competitively priced energy.
6.20. Pegmatites
Pegmatites of economic interest are concentrated in the Alto Ligonha Pegmatite Province
which forms part of the 170 km long Namama Thrust Belt and close to the town of Alto
Ligonha. The pegmatites belong to the lithium-caesium-tantalum family and are divided into
4 subtypes:
1. Sodalithic pegmatites;
2. Potassic pegmatites (beryl, columbite, and tantalite);
3. Potassic pegmatites (metamict uranium, thorium and rare-earth bearing minerals);
4. Pegmatites bearing amazonite (found around Nacala), tourmaline and emerald.
The most fractionated and economically important are the sodalithic pegmatites, which bear
especially columbite, tantalite, beryl and lithium. These include large pegmatites such as
Marropino, Morrua, Muiane and Naipa (Cronwright, 2005).
When considered on the basis of an individual commodity most of the pegmatites tend to be
subeconomic and rather need to be assessed on the basis of all of their exploitable mineral
assemblages (Cronwright, 2005). The economy of scale that could be achieved by
centralised processing for the pegmatites should be seriously considered to further
add commercial value to the pegmatite field.
Many of the larger pegmatites have large quartz cores forming hills that are often
surrounded by eluvial and colluvial material weathered from the pegmatite. Mineable
concentrations of Nb-Ta minerals are sometimes associated with this material (Cronwright,
2005). Two major types of pegmatites exist in the area, homogenous pegmatites with a
simple mineralogy and not containing minerals of economic significance, and
inhomogeneous pegmatites with a complex internal structure (see Figure 40) and often
containing minerals of economic importance. Minerals of economic value tend to occur
especially in the quartz core, the sodalithic zone, the massive feldspar zone and the book
mica zone.
The massive feldspar zone consists mainly of large microcline perthite crystals. It also
contains coarse quartz as well as plagioclase. Significant quantities of other feldspars such
as amazonite, orthoclase and albite may occur. The feldspar in this zone is often highly
kaolinitized. Beryl and columbite are the principle economic minerals (Cronwright, 2005).
The sodalithic zone typically has lithium minerals and / or plagioclase as well as significant
columbite and tantalite mineralization. This zone usually occurs adjacent to the quartz core.
The minerals characteristic of this zone include lepidolite, spodumene and cleavelandite in
varying proportions and minor amblygonite, petalite, microcline, muscovite and a variety of
accessory minerals such as beryl, columbite and tantalite. Less common are occasionally
83
microlite, manganotantalite, pollucite, petalite, amblygonite and other primary phosphates
such as triplite, apatite and hureaulite (Cronwright, 2005).
Table 19: Mineral localisation in Alto Ligonha zoned pegmatites
Zone
Relative size of Zone
Potential economic minerals
Sodalithic zone
Metres
Beryl (industrial and gem), Tourmaline, Topaz, Tantalitecolumbite,
Microlite, Lithium minerals, Pollucite, Cassiterite, Kaolin
Massive feldspar zone
Metres
Beryl (industrial), Columbite, tantalite, Alanite, Bismutite, Conazite,
Euxenitesamarskite, Feldspar, Kaolin
Book mica zone
Decimetres
Mica (black spotted), Ruby mica
Source: Cronwright, 2005 after Barros and Vicente (1963)
Figure 40: Idealised cross section of a complex Alto Ligonha pegmatite
Source: Cronwright, 2005 after Barros and Vicente (1963)
6.20.1. Pegmatite minerals and Market
Beryl, columbite-tantalite, mica and sometimes feldspars or their alteration product, kaolin
are the most important economic minerals. Other products of pegmatites (in most cases) are
by-products to the mining of these.
84
6.20.1.1. Beryllium minerals
Beryllium minerals found in the Alto Ligonha pegmatites are: beryl (heliodor, aquamarine,
morganite, emerald), gadolinite, euclase and herderite. Beryl, the only beryllium mineral of
economic interest, occurs mainly in the sodalithic pegmatites and to a lesser extent in the potassic
pegmatites. Beryl crystals range from a few millimetres to >4 m in size, with very large crystals
reported from Muiane (14t), Nahiri (22t), and Munhamola (50t) (Cronwright, 2005).
6.20.1.2. Bismuth Minerals
Native-Bi, bismuthinite, bismutite and bismutoferrite occur in the pegmatites
6.20.1.3. Feldspar
Potassium feldspar (orthoclase) is found in all pegmatites in the region. Other varieties that
occur include microcline (incl. amazonite), oligoclase, albite (incl. Cleavelandite) and
perthite. Feldspar remains underexploited in Mozambique and Cronwright (2005) gives an
estimate of more than 23 kt “reserve” from 3 pegmatites [Boa Esperanca (820t), Nuaperra
(7,632t), and Tulua, (15,000t). Macuahub (2011f) reports that the Mozambican government
is carrying out feasibility studies to reopen a number of old mines including Boa Esperanca.
6.20.1.4. Garnet
Garnet is a common mineral in many of the pegmatites and analysis of it can assist
geologists in the understanding of the zonal structure of the pegmatite. Almandine and
spessartite garnets occur in the pegmatites
6.20.1.5. Iron Titanium Minerals
Magnetite, ilmenite, haematite, limonite, martite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, scorodite and vivianite
occur in the pegmatites.
6.20.1.6. Lithium Minerals
Lithium minerals found mainly in the complex sodalithic pegmatites include: spodumene
(kunzite, hiddenite), petalite, eucryptite, amblygonite. Lepidolite was the main lithium mineral
mined in the past (Cronwright, 2005).
6.20.1.7. Manganese Minerals
Pyrolusite, psilomelane, triplite and hureaulite occur in the pegmatites.
6.20.1.8. Mica
Mica is a common mineral in most pegmatites and most zones within the pegmatites in
Mozambique. Varieties that occur include muscovite, ruby muscovite, sericite, gilbertite,
lepidolite, cookeite, biotite, vermiculite and phlogopite. Muscovite has been mined for over 60
years either as a primary or secondary product, with more that 54 t having been produced in the past
and a remaining “reserve” of 330 kt. The muscovite is mined mainly from the quartz-mica zone
adjacent to the core as well as from the book mica zone near the margin of the pegmatite (Lachelt,
2004 in Cronwright, 2005).
6.20.1.9. Tantalum and Niobium minerals
Minerals containing tantalum and niobium are generally restricted in the Alto Ligonha
pegmatites to the massive feldspar and sodalithic zones, however they may also occur in the
wallrocks as they do in the Muhano and Majamala pegmatites (Pedro, 1986, reported in
Cronwright 2005). These minerals are economically important especially in light of the
current strong demand for tantalum. Minerals that occur include: columbite
[(Mn,Fe,Mg).(Nb,Ta)2O6], tantalite [(Fe,Mn).Ta2O6], tantalite-Mn [Mn.Ta2O6], stibiotantalite
tapiolite [[(Fe,Mn).(Ta,Nb)2O6],
columbotantalite
[Bi,TaO4],
microlite
[Sb.TaO4],
85
[(Ca,Na)2.Ta2(O,OH,F)7] and ilmenorutile [(Ti,Nb,Ta,Fe)O2]. Pekkala (2008) reports that
Marropino is the only pegmatite currently being exploited for tantalite on a commercial scale.
For further discussion see section 6.19 Niobium (columbium) and tantalum.
Tin and Tungsten Minerals
The Alto Ligonha pegmatites also contain minerals representing specialist metals such as
cassiterite [SnO2], wolframite [(Fe,Mn,Mg).WO4] and scheelite [CaWO4]
Quartz
Varieties that occur are: milky quartz rose, grey and smoky quartz, hyaline quartz and
amethyst
Rare Earth Minerals
Rare earth minerals appearing in the Alto Ligonha pegmatites include: monazite, xenotime,
allanite, zircon, fergusonite (a range of varieties exist, and it is not clear which varieties are
found in Mozambique), samarskite [(Y,Ce,U,Fe,Nb).(Nb,Ta,Ti)O4], polycrase, betafite,
euxenite [(Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th).(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6], uraninite, rhadophane and pollucite. These
minerals occur mainly in the massive feldspar zone of the potassic pegmatites. They were
mined intermittently until 1974 and Cronwright reported in 2005 that they were not being
mined at that time. Re-exploration of the pegmatites in light of the high rare earth
prices presents a real exploration opportunity.
Tourmaline
Varieties of tourmaline found include: schorl, verdelite, rubelite, indigolite, achroite as well as
zoned (watermelon) crystals.
Minerals produced by weathering
Minerals which are in-situ products of weathering include: kaolin, montmorillonite, gummite,
autunite and metatorbenite. Kaolin is discussed in more detail in section 6.12.
Other Minerals
Topaz, hornblende, nepheline, epidote, andalusite, scapolite, thorite, allanite (orthite),
apatite, fluorite, rutile, corundum, gahnite, spinel, chromite, chalcopyrite, molybdenite,
galena, gold, calcite, malachite, azurite and graphite are associated with the pegmatities.
Mineral specimens and gemstones
Although good mineral specimens and gemstones represent only a small proportion of the
material mined. Attention should be paid to the value of these products. Clearly, if enough
are present to make economic sense to separate them out for sale then security on the mine
will become a major issue. Cronwright (2005) reports that a significant proportion are
smuggled out by miners and sold on the black market. The gemstones found associated with
the pegmatites (see Table 20) were listed by Lachelt (2004) and are reported in Cronwright
(2005).
Beryl and Emerald
Mozambique was the second largest producer of beryl (after Brazil) in the world in the
1950’s and 1960’s (Cronwright, 2005). Emerald is a variety of beryl, Be3Al2Si6O18 which
obtains its rich, dark green colour from its chromium content. World production is around
15 M carats (Rosa and Dias, 2008). Colombia (60%) is the largest producer, followed by
Brazil (10%). Smaller producers (past and present) include Afghanistan, Australia, Austria,
86
Bulgaria, China, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Spain,
Tanzania, the United States, and Zimbabwe. (Groat et al 2008).
Table 20: Gemstones and mineral specimens found in Mozambican pegmatites
Mineral Group
Gemstone varieties
Beryl
Emerald, aquamarine, morganite and rare heliodor and
goshenite
Feldspar
Amazonite, moonstone (adularia)
Garnet
Almandine, rarely pyrope
Quartz
Rose quartz, citrine, smokey quartz, amethyst, rock crystal
Spodumene
Kunzite and hiddenite
Topaz
Silver topaz
Tourmaline
Verdelite (green), rubellite (pink), siberite (red-violet),
dravite (maroon-brown), indigolite (blue), yellow, white
(rarely colourless), multicoloured (including watermelon
tourmaline)
Others
Manganotantalite crystals, zircon and rare mineral
specimens
Source: Modified after Cronwright, 2005 (from Lachelt, 2004)
In Mozambique, emeralds occur near the village of Gité with the two most important deposits
being Niame and Rio Maria III. Associated minerals include: quartz, plagioclase, apatite,
calcite, fluorite, molybdenite, pyrite, scheelite, and stilbite. These emeralds are typically bluegreen in colour and are typically cracked and heavily included (Kanis and Schwarz, 2002,
referenced in Groat et al 2008).
Cronwright (2005) gives an excellent review of the pegmatites of the Alto Ligonha Province.
The past production of some of the pegmatites is shown in Table 21.
6.20.2. Reserves and resources
There remains a considerable resource of various pegmatite minerals in Mozambique; a
summary of these is shown in Table 22 and Table 23.
6.20.3. Deposits
6.20.3.1. Boa Esperança Pegmatite
This pegmatite contains rare earth, uranium and thorium minerals, as well as columbite,
tantalite, beryl, feldspar, mica, kaolin and gemstones (Cronwright, 2005).
6.20.3.2. Doeroi pegmatite
The Doeroi pegmatite occurs approximately 30 km southeast of Chimoio in the Gondola
District of the Manica Province. The deposit hosts a tin occurrence with associated columbite
and tantalite. The occurrence is situated approximately 10 km northwest of Inchope and was
mined from 1919 to 1979. Resources are estimated at 10 kt ore at 7 300 ppm Sn (Callaghan
2002a).
6.20.3.3. Igaro pegmatite
The pegmatite is about 80 m long and 25 m wide. It is quite well zoned with a complex
internal structure and a poorly developed sodic phase. It is mineralised in beryl, columbite
and tantalite.
Table 21: Past production figures for the potassic pegmatites
87
Feldspar
Zircon
Beryl
Monazite
671.0
0.223
3.125
296.0
0.072
2.000
0.070
Guilherme@
0.808
Muetia@
1.000
0.074
Bismutite
Samarskite
18.30
Euxenite
Mica
Boa Esperanca
(& surrounds)
(1937-1961)
Kaolin
Pegmatite
Columbitetantalite
Mineral
(production in t)
Bere (1961-1962)#
0.069
8.049
Enluma
pegmatites
(1954-1960) #
1.202
MariaMuagotaia
(1962-1963) #
0.300
3.250
Muagotaia
(1959-1960) #
5.455
20.45
0.033
0.006
Mocangane
(1960) #
0.327
0.500
0.248
0.266
Murrule (1962) #
1.387
0.800
Munhamade
(1963) #
2.000
270.0
Igaro group#
1.880
44.23
0.200
Munhiba#
9.000
0.100
0.200
38.00
38.53
0.308
0.009
0.050
260
0.500
Source: Cronwright 2005 after Barros & Vicente, 1963
For pegmatites of the Boa Esperanca area, Nauela, Mocuba and Mugeba pegmatite fields
@
Nauela field
#
Mocuba-Mugeba field
Table 22: Estimated reserves of some pegmatite related minerals in Mozambique
Mineral
Reserve@ (Mt)
Feldspar
7.6
Kaolin
4.4
Mica
0.330
Silica
11.4
Tantalum ore
7.5
Source: Cronwright (2005)
@ it is not known whether this term is used strictly or whether the term refers to a resource.
6.20.3.4. Inchope pegmatite
The Inchope pegmatite occurs approximately 50 km southeast of Chimoio in the Gondola
District of the Manica Province. The deposit hosts a medium-sized tin resource with
associated columbite and tantalite.
88
Inchope holds positive potential and further work needs to be carried out. Studies have
shown that the tin mineralization at Inchope may be related to a granite which is controlled
by the Sabi Monocline. If so, the tin mineralization may extend into other unexplored granites
and pegmatites in the region. These include the swarm of pegmatites occurring north of
Inchope towards the Gorongosa Massif and a granite identified to the southwest of Inchope.
Concealed or partly exhumed granites hold the most potential for tin mineralization
(Callaghan 2002a).
The Inchope area is well serviced with respect to road, rail and power.
Table 23: Reserves# of some sodalithic pegmatites
Reserve@
Pegmatite
Majamala
Marropino 3
Ore
(Kt)
Morrua 2
Muiane
Cs
(t)
168
1,6524
2,578
104
92
1,670.7
918
128
2,287
7,770.05
3,5945
548
20,491
8,644
58
81
1,819
3,201
86,394
5,626
86
10
2,484.6
Munhamola
10,300
Mutala4
Li
(t)
1439.8
Muhano
1
Nb
(t)
7,395.94
Moneia
Morrua
waste dumps
Ta
(t)
Rb
(t)
Bi
(t)
Sn
(t)
Be
(t)
394
17,946
2,115
1,836
1,118
464
2667
Source: Cronwright, 2005
#
Probably means resources as oxides
@
Cronwright references Hunting (1985) for the table. Although the term reserve is used, this may refer to
older terminology and should be treated ad resources.
1
Cronwright references Gouk, (1979)
2
Cronwright references Elguin et al (1983)
3
Cronwright references Reinhold (1983). Includes pegmatites in Melela River,
4
Noventa 2010
5
Noventa 2010 (indicated resources + inferred)
6
6.20.3.5. Maria III
This pegmatite carried emeralds, but Cronwright (2005) points out that it is now largely
mined out and has been abandoned by formal miners although artisanal miners still scrape a
living here, producing a small amount of poor quality stones. The phlogopite zone near the
contact with the plagioclase pegmatite (occasionally the plagioclase pegmatite itself) usually carries
the emerald. Emeralds found in the phlogopite zone are usually dark green, highly fissured and turbid
while those found in the actual pegmatite are lighter green and transparent with few inclusions
(Cronwright 2005, after Vlasov, 1966)
6.20.3.6. Marropino
Some 67 pegmatites have been identified in the Marropino-Melela area. Marropino is about
23 km south of Marrua and to the west of the “Reserva do Gili” (see Figure 41). The main
pegmatite at Marropino strikes east-west, for 550 m, and dips ~20º to the south. It is 75-85 m
thick in the central zone and thins to 9-15 m at depth. Its outcrop width is 250 m and from
borehole intersections at depth, is known to extend at least 200 m down dip (Callaghan,
2002b, Pekkala et al 2008). Cronwright indicates that the pegmatite is over 1,000 m long and
80 m wide (Cronwright, 2005).
89
The central part of the pegmatite is strongly kaolinitized, and because this simplifies mining
and beneficiation it is this area that has been chiefly mined in the past. Economically
important minerals are columbite, tantalite, microlite, lepidolite, spodumene, bismutite, beryl
(aquamarine and morganite) both of industrial and gem quality, zircon, microlite, monazite
and xenotime (Callaghan, 2002b, Cronwright, 2005). The Marropino deposit is being
exploited commercially for tantalite by Noventa Ltd.
Noventa gives no mention of anything besides the tantalite and it is not known how the gems
are currently treated. For further information see section 6.19.1.2.
Figure 41: Morrua and Marropino Pegmatite/ Tantalum Deposits
Source: Callaghan, 2002b
6.20.3.7. Muiane
Muiane is a well kaolinitized, pegmatite (1,200 m x 100 m) with well-developed zoning and a
sodalithic zone. This zone is up to 23 m thick and contains significant rare-metal
mineralization with Nb-tantalite, microlite and minor Mn-tantalite, Sb-tantalite, Ta-tantalite as
well as pollucite. The pegmatite, which is about 1.2 km in length and 100 m wide was being
mined by ITM Mining Ltd in 2005 (Cronwright, 2005). Metallurgical Design and Management
(MDM) of SA is reported by Pekkala et al (2008) to be setting up a new processing plant, but
it appears that this did not happen. The tantalite grade in Muiane is less than 300 ppm.
Pacific Wildcat Resources Corp. (2010) indicates that they are the largest licence holder
(450 km2) in the Alto Ligonha belt. Besides other historically important deposits, they name
specifically the Muiane pegmatite as included in the mineral rights holding. (PAW, 2010).
6.20.3.8. Monea
A zoned pegmatite with a sodalithic zone.
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6.20.3.9. Monela
The 300 m long and 30 m thick Monela pegmatite has a well developed zonation, with an
irregularly developed sodalithic zone which contains spodumene crystals up to 1,2 m in
length.
6.20.3.10. Morrua
Morrua consists of seven major zoned pegmatites that are horizontal to gently dipping at 1520º. It was the largest producer of Nb-Ta minerals in Mozambique and was considered a
world-ranking producer of tantalum minerals in the past. The pegmatite group is about 1 km
in length and up to 600 m wide. It has been mined to 100 m depth. (Cronwright, 2005).
The Morrua tantalum deposit comprises about seven lenticular pegmatite bodies, occurring
within amphibolite schists of the Nampula Supergroup. It has concentrations of tantalum in
the form of tantalite, mangano-tantalite and microlite. The pegmatite is zoned, subhorizontal and oriented along N60oW direction. Reported reserves (Callaghan, 2002b
quoting Goncalves and Deus, 2002) of the deposit are divided into economic and noneconomic as follows:
Economic: 3.6 Mt with average grades of 804 ppm Ta, 99 ppm Nb, 1813 ppm Cs,
3076 ppm Rb, 3985 g/t Li and 311 g/t Be.
Sub-economic: 2.7 Mt with an average grade of 470 g/t Ta and 71 g/t Nb.
Pekkala and others (2008) report that the mine has been abandoned and 100–200 artisanal
miners are panning tantalite in the nearby Melela River. Reserves have recently been
estimated at 3.5 Mt (700 ppm Ta2O5) in hard rock and about 1.5 Mt in eluvium and dumps.
KHA set up a pilot plant with a capacity of 30 tph in 2003, with the intention of processing
waste, estimated to contain 200–300 ppm Ta2O5. In 2008 ownership of the mineral rights
was in the hands of the HAMC. Noventa now owns the property and intends mining in once
the Marropino mine is exhausted.
For further information see section 6.19.1.3.
6.20.3.11. Munhamade pegmatite
The Munhamade pegmatite is approximately 300 m long and 20 m wide and has a simple
internal zoning. It is mineralised in beryl, columbite and tantalite.
6.20.3.12. Munhamola I
The Munhamola area contains a number of non-parallel northeast striking pegmatites, most
of which are weakly zoned. The main pegmatite however is well zoned and about 680 m
long and 40 m wide. Large quantities of beryl and tantalite are present in zone surrounding the core
(Cronwright, 2005).
6.20.3.13. Muhano and Majamala Pegmatites
These zoned pegmatites have produced beryl, columbotantalite and bismutite in the past
and the area still contains significant reserves (Cronwright, 2005).
6.20.3.14. Naipa Pegmatite
The granitic pegmatites at Naipa intrude phyllite and gneiss. The pegmatite has been dated
from zircons included in lepidolite at 482 ± 6 Ma. The locality is famed for its beautiful elbaite
tourmalines. The pegmatites are well zoned and contain tourmaline associated with quartz,
albite, lepidolite, and cleavelandite. Gem tourmalines occur in the intermediate zone and
internal nuclear zones (Neiva and Leal Gomes, 2010).
91
6.20.3.15. Naquissupa Pegmatite
Hegemony Resources set up a processing plant with an installed capacity of 120 tph in 2001
based on soft (kaolinitized) material, but the deposit consists mainly of hard rock and the
mine and plant has been abandoned (Pekkala et al 2008).
6.20.3.16. Nauela Pegmatites
A group of some 40 pegmatites containing rare-earth, uranium and thorium minerals, as well
as columbite, tantalite, beryl, feldspar, mica, kaolin and gemstones (Cronwright, 2005).
6.20.3.17. Niame
This pegmatite carried emeralds, but Cronwright (2005) points out that it is now largely
mined out and has been abandoned by formal miners.
6.20.3.18. Pitea Pegmatite
This pegmatite is mineralised in tourmaline with amazonite and is considered barren of
niobium and tantalum mineralization. Its internal structure is complex with a well developed
sodalithic zone. Other minerals present include topaz, cassiterite (a crystal of 17 kg was found here),
bismuth and microlite
6.20.3.19. Santos Pegmatite
This pegmatite is mineralised in tourmaline and amazonite and barren of niobium and
tantalum. Its has a complex internal structure with a well developed sodalithic zone. Other
minerals present include bismuth, cassiterite, microlite and topaz.
6.20.3.20. Tulua Pegmatite
Probably the best known tourmaline bearing pegmatite outside of the Alto Ligonha region, it
is 420 m long and up to 50 m wide. Besides green tourmaline it has also produced
cassiterite.
6.20.3.21. Eluvial and colluvial deposits
Tantalite, columbite and occasional emeralds are found in the eluvial and colluvial deposits
surrounding the pegmatites.
6.20.4. Exploration
Cronwright (2005) gives a detailed description of a proposed exploration guide for he
discovery of hidden pegmatites in the Mozambican area. He indicates a number of potentially
prospective areas that were identified during the course of his study.
6.20.5. Infrastructure
In general the pegmatites are found in remote areas and an upgrade of roads to assist
(especially in the acquisition of consumables and equipment but also in the despatch of
mineral production especially if bulk commodities like kaolin, feldspar and mica are
extracted) is necessary. Power supplies are limited, the most common source being small
hydro generation plants which are supplemented by diesel generated power during the dry
season.
The downstream processing of tantalum concentrates requires the removal of niobium. This
could represent a business opportunity (Callaghan 2002b).
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6.21. Phosphate
6.21.1. Market
Phosphorous is a primary nutrient in the growth of crops as well as being an important
constituent of DNA. Because the world has a very large population, food to support the
population cannot be grown on available land without the support of fertiliser. Phosphates
are a primary plant nutrient and are required in increasing quantities for food security.
Consumption of phosphate rock is mainly by the fertiliser sector (90% of all phosphate rock).
Although phosphate rock can be used directly as fertilizer, the release of the phosphate is
slow and phosphate rock is usually converted to chemical fertilizer before use in the
agricultural industry.
Phosphate mines vary in grade from as low as 5% to more than 40 % P2O5. Feedstock to
phosphoric acid plants is in the order of 26% to 34% P2O5.
After a number of years of growth, phosphate fertiliser consumption fell marginally in 1999
and again in 2000. Phosphate rock consumption worldwide fell by 1.4% to 143.5 Mt in 2000.
This follows a fall of 0.8% in 1999. The world production was 151 Mt in 1998 of which Africa
produced 40,602 kt. Africa’s biggest producer was Morocco 23,587 kt, followed by Tunisia
(7,959 kt), South Africa (2,961 kt) and Togo (2,253 kt).
Global phosphorous production has shown a double peak (See Figure 42), global reserves
are restricted in the longer term, but production is expected to grow strongly in the short term
to 228 Mtpa by 2015 (Jasinski, 2011). Meanwhile the quality of the phosphate rock left to
mine is decreasing and production costs are rising (Mόrrίgan, 2010). Phosphate prices
increased rapidly in the western world during 2008, with the US price being double that of
2007 and 4x higher than 2004.
Global demand in phosphate is expected to grow by 2-3% pa in line with growth in the
fertiliser industry. There is no substitute for phosphate and as long as populations grow so
will the phosphate industry to allow those populations to be fed. There is an increasing trend
towards conversion of phosphate rock into phosphoric acid before export.
The price of phosphate rock grew until the end of 2008 with a very sharp increase in the
years from the beginning of 2007 (see Figure 43). With the economic crisis there was a
sharp drawback in price, but the price has been growing strongly again for the last year, and
due to the long term scarcity of phosphate rock it is expected to stabilise at more than $150
per metric tonne.
Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is obtained by combining phosphate rock with sulphuric acid, to produce
3H3PO4. The main environmental problem is the disposal of the gypsum which is produced in
great quantity as a by-product. Since there is a distinct lack of phosphate resources in South
and East Asia this region is a captive market. Note that gypsum finds use in many industries
dependent on its specific quality. It is also an important soil ameliorant especially where
clayey soils are found.
MAP & DAP
Phosphoric acid can be combined with ammonia to form mon-ammonium phosphate (MAP)
and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP). The advantages of these ammonium phosphates are:
Both nitrogen and phosphorus are available in the fertiliser
They can be produced in granular form
93
Figure 42: World Phosphate production
Source: Wikimedia
Figure 43: Price for phosphate rock over the last 10 years
Source: Mongabay.com
Single Superphosphate (SSP)
SSP is made by acidifying phosphate rock. The P2O5 content of SSP will be between 16 and
20% (8-9% P). A sulphuric acid plant is usually a prerequisite. Hydrofluoric acid which
escapes from the process as a gas may be captured to represent a significant by-product.
Triple Superphosphate (TSP)
TSP is formed by treating phosphate rock with phosphoric acid. The product contains
between 40 and 49% P2O5 (about 20% P). The major advantage of TSP is the high
concentration of P, which makes sense if it is to be exported, but the problem is that the
majority of the phosphorous in the product actually comes from the phosphoric acid, which is
expensive, furthermore it does require rock with a high P2O5 content.
94
6.21.2. Geology
The main source of phosphorous is from minerals in the apatite group. Pure apatite is rare
since it allows substitution of various other molecules within its lattice.
Marine sedimentary deposits contribute about 85% of the world’s commercial production od
phosphate. Most of the rest is made up from primary apatite from igneous deposits. Guano
deposits are rapidly declining as commercial sources of phosphates.
6.21.3. Properties and Uses
The manufacture of fertiliser accounts for more than 90% of phosphate consumption. For
use in the fertiliser industry the phosphate rock needs to contain at least 30% phosphate
pentoxide (P2O5) and about 5% CaCO3. Furthermore it should have less than 4% combined
iron and aluminium oxides and have a very low chlorine content of less than 0.02%.
Phosphates are also used in animal feeds, detergents, safety matches, fire extinguishers
and in the chemical, dental and pharmaceutical industries. Phosphorous is also important in
the steel industry and in the production of specialised copper products as well as in many
other processes and products.
6.21.4. Reserves and resources
Mozambique has several phosphate deposits (Evate, Cone Negose, Mont Muande Mont
Fema as well as several pegmatites that contain phosphate minerals). Although in the past
these have not found favour with mining companies, the fundamental changes brought about
by the widespread acknowledgement of depleting phosphate deposits worldwide as well as
the need for countries to ensure their food security are likely to add lustre to future
investigation.
6.21.5. Deposits
Besides small guano deposits, there are metamorphic, igneous and residual phosphates as
well as strong indications of sedimentary Tertiary phosphates in Mozambique (Davidson
1986 in van Straaten 2002). One such deposit occurs to the west and northwest of Beira
(See Figure 44), in the glauconite-bearing Eocene Cheringoma Formation, which contains
fossil fish and teeth beds, and is seen as a potential source rock for phosphorites (van
Straaten, 2002)
6.21.5.1. Cone Negose
This is a metasomatic enrichment in a Mesozoic volcanic type carbonatite, with vents and
dikes cutting Karoo sediments, which occurs 80 km southwest of Fingoe. Phosphate
enrichment (together with barite) occurs in late stage carbonatite rock (Manhica 1991 in van
Straaten, 2002). No estimates on phosphate grade and tonnage are available. Minerals in
the deposit include pyrite, bastnaesite, barite, pyrochlore, monazite, brookite and
fluorapatite.
6.21.5.2. Evate
The Monapo Complex measures 40 x 53 km and is one of the largest alkaline complexes in
the world (Siegfried, 1999). The rocks of the complex form steeply dipping, concentric
lithologies suggesting multiple intrusions of cone sheets. The Evate deposit is located on the
SE flank of the Monapo Complex about 100 km east of Nampula. Apatite concentrations
occur in mineralised zones about 3 km long, 830 m wide and 600 m thick. The most
important mineralization occurs in lenticular bodies, about 400 m long and 4-20 m wide with
P2O5 grades of 4-6 %. Apatite mineralization grades from 6-30 % and is associated with
magnetite, pyrrhotite, calcite, olivine and pyrite (Callaghan, 2002b after Goncalves and
Deus, 2002).
95
Figure 44: Phosphate occurrences in Mozambique
Source: van Straaten, 2002 after Cilek, 1989.
It is possible, that based on the apatite and phosphorous distribution in the area, there are
other possibly larger deposits than Evate in the area (Hunting 1985).
The Evate deposit is large and of particular economic interest with the minerals apatite,
magnetite, forsterite, phlogopite and graphite. It contains 155.4 Mt of ore at 9.32% P2O5,
(Orris and Chernoff, 2002) 5.76% Fe, 1.21% TiO2, 47.69% CaO. However, the phosphates
here have high chlorine content of 0.18%, clearly in excess of industry standards of 200 ppm
(Siegfried, 2001), this would cause excessive corrosion of vessels within a phosphoric acid
plant and is a major drawback of the deposit since the capital costs of a plant would be
greatly increased due to expensive alloys being required that will better resist the corrosion.
However, it may be possible to remove some of the chlorine as is done by the Jordan
phosphate company.
96
The significant increase in the price of phosphate rock in the last 10 years should create real
interest in the Evate project. It was a marginal project 10 years ago. At current prices, which
are more than 3x, and a positive outlook, this project is highly likely to be exploited in the
near future.
Macuahub (2011g), reports that Vale is considering the building of a $3 million fertiliser
factory in Nacala-a-Velha, and is currently involved in community consultation for the
provision of 700 hectares for the project.
6.21.5.3. Lucuisse
Lucuisse is a carbonatite with possible metasomatic enrichment, which contains monazite,
apatite, pyrochlore, columbite, zircon and magnetite.
6.21.5.4. Mont Muande (Zambezi SDI)
In accordance with a joint venture with North River Resources plc, Baobab can earn up to
90% in the Mont Muande project. Baobab are compiling trench and drilling data from work
done in 1983-1985 by the Geological institute of Belgrade. They have found a series of
encouraging intersections. They have also been studying soil geochemistry completed by
Omegacorp in 2006-2007 and have scheduled 2,000m of diamond drilling beginning April
2011 (Baobab, 2011).
Baobab commissioned Coffey Mining Pty Ltd to assess the exploration target based on the
previous work. The estimates were made based on to an average depth of 42 m (deepest
hole 135 m). In the results announcement it is stated “There is no reason to believe that
mineralization will not be encountered below the modelled depths.”
Although the
announcement clearly states that the indicative tonnages estimated (See Table 24) are not
to be seen as resources, it is clearly an indication that is significant especially when seen in
the light of the Baobab Tete Magnetite project (Baobab, 2011).
Table 24: Mt Muande indicative tonnages and grades
Area
1
Material Type
Density
(t/m3)
Tonnes range (Mt)
Lower
Grades Range
Upper
FeO%
P 2O 5%
Lower
Upper
Lower
Upper
Mt
Muande
drilled/ trenched
zone
Eluvial
3.5
3
5
45
55
3
7
Lower Grade
2.7
90
110
4
10
2
7
Higher Grade
3.0
30
35
20
25
2
7
SW extension1
Marble hosted
80
100
Without drillhole sampling data available, there is a higher degree of risk allotted to the indicative tonnages in the southwest extension
From previous metallurgical reports it appears as if a magnetite concentrate containing 67%
Fe could be produced via a course grind (to 0.3mm) and magnetic separation followed by
gravitation concentration. This is followed by a regrind and flotation to recover the apatite
concentrate containing 36% P2O5. Total recoveries were 92% magnetite and 70% apatite.
There is no indication given as to the scale of this testwork (Baobab, 2011).
Van Straaten, 2002 cites Davidson 1986 as indicating a 200 kt content of P2O5 at Mont
Muande.
6.21.5.5. Tundulu (Nacala SDI)
A deposit at Tundulu in Malawi contains some 1.9 Mt ore to a depth of 50 m with a P2O5
content of 15-20%, which equates to more than more than 275 kt of P2O5 (Malunga, 2001).
97
Recently a study was conducted to assess the potential improvement of maize yields
through the application of rock phosphate from Tundulu. The study looked at maize yield
responses to the application of either pigeon pea biomass or rock phosphate from Tundulu
and the application of these in combination (Phiri et al, 2010). Not unsurprisingly application
of the rock phosphate alone did not give much yield increase in maize but when combined
with the legume biomass the results improved. Since rock phosphate was directly applied it
would be expected that the long term effect would be more interesting than a one crop trial.
Studies looking at the residual effect are suggested in the conclusion to the project.
6.21.5.6. Dorowa (Zambezi SDI)
The Dorowa phosphate mine is an opencut mine which is located in the Buhera District
along the tarmac road from Nyazura to Murambinda at 19°04'S; 31°46'E. Mining at Dorowa
involves ripping and dozing in soft rock and drilling as well as blasting in hard rock. Dorowa
is a carbonatite with associated foyaite, ijolite and pulaskite rocks surrounding it (Barber
1991, in Van Straaten, 2002). The central nepheline-rich foyaites and ijolites have been
extensively mineralised with phlogopite/vermiculite and apatite. Van Straaten, (2002)
indicates that the company Dorowa Minerals Ltd., claims total measured resources as being
72-78 Mt at 6.56% P2O5 (Barber 1991 in Van Straaten, 2002). Over the ten years to 1995,
the Dorowa phosphate mine produced an annual average of 1,128,300 t of ore (Fernandes
1995, in Van Straaten, 2002) yielding 132 kt of concentrate at 35.2% P205. The current ore
grade is 6,5% P2O5 and the concentrates being dried and sent to the beneficiation plant are
at 37%P2O5. (IDC, 2011).
The ore is milled and put through a flotation plant to produce phosphate concentrate. Dried
concentrates are sent to the railhead at Nyazura some 65 km away by road and then railed
to ZimPhos where it is processed to single superphosphate and triple superphoshate (Van
Straaten, 2002).
6.21.6. Outlook and Conclusion
While the grade of the phosphates at Evate is low in world terms it is not unreasonably low
and with ever tightening supply this deposit is looking very interesting. The site-specific
technical feasibility of the deposit should be tested followed by a pre-feasibility study and
later a full feasibility study. In the immediate future the deposit should be thoroughly
remapped to ensure that representative sampling can take place. Sampling should be
carried out and small scale on-site piloting commissioned to ensure that the ore can be
sufficiently upgraded. Following this, and based on positive results, feasibility studies can be
commissioned.
The Evate project is in the Nampula province in which there may be a future issue with the
provision of water. Professor Alvaro de Carmo Vaz contends that there is not enough water
in the province for mining and the continued growth of agriculture. He indicated that thought
should be given to building dams in the area.
Ideally phosphates should be further processed locally for the local and export markets,
however local usage of phosphate rock directly or with simple modification can already give
significantly improved crops.
It is highly likely that either the Mont Muande or Evate projects will be successful. If so, the
P2O5 concentrate should be further processed within Mozambique.
6.22. Rare Earths
“Rare earths” comprise a group of 17 metals, 15 which make up the lanthanide series
(Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm),
Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium
98
(Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), and Lutetium (Lu)) plus Yttrium and
Scandium. The rare earth elements share a unique property called the “lanthanide
contraction”. Various rare earth elements are essential components in many modern
technologies including cellphones, LCD televisions and electric car motors. They are also
critical in the manufacture of many green technologies as well as modern weapon systems.
Many lanthanide compounds have unique chemical, electrical, magnetic, luminescence and
radioactive shielding characteristics.
Great Western will be opening up the Steenkampskraal mine in South Africa to produce
2.7 kt of rare earth concentrate by 2013 (Reuters, 2010). The rare earths will be put through
a chloride plant in South Africa and further processed in Britain. Since China is reducing
exports of rare earths demand has risen steeply and sources outside of Asia are in strong
demand.
China, which currently produces about 97% of the worlds rare earths. is reported to be
stockpiling these metals in order to control markets and prices. The USGS has estimated
that China has about half of the worlds estimated 110 Mt of rare earth reserves. (Behre
Dolbear, 2011, quoting Wall Street Journal). Although there are many rare earth occurrences
in Africa, these are typically under-explored and undeveloped.
Rare earth minerals appearing in the Alto Ligonha pegmatites include: monazite, xenotime,
allanite, zircon, fergusonite (a range of varieties exist, and it is not clear which varieties are
euxenite
found
in
Mozambique),
samarskite
[(Y,Ce,U,Fe,Nb).(Nb,Ta,Ti)O4],
[(Y,Ca,Ce,U,Th).(Nb,Ta,Ti)2O6], polycrase, betafite, uraninite, rhadophane and pollucite.
These minerals occur mainly in the massive feldspar zone of the potassic pegmatites. They
were mined intermittently until 1974 and Cronwright reported in 2005 that they were not
being mined at that time.
The rare earth elements are used in an expanding array of high-technology applications,
making up an important part of modern industrial economies. Long-term shortages of rare
earth elements would create major difficulties in the production of electronic equipment in
day to day use around the world as well as in the production of many “green” technologies.
Each of the rare earth elements has an array of uses although the highest usage of rare
earths is in magnets (21%), and catalysts (20%). Europium is used in control rods of nuclear
reactors due to its ability to absorb neutrons. In 2010 europium was selling for about $650/kg
compared to only $71/kg for cerium. The Nacala SDI (in its broadest sense) contains many
rare earth deposits and these may well present an exciting developmental possibility and
should be further researched.
6.22.1. Deposits
6.22.1.1. Kangankunde (Nacala SDI)
Situated about 90 km north of Blantyre, this deposit is an intrusive carbonatite pipe, which
forms a hill rising 200 m above the plain. The deposit has been investigated many times
since the 1950s. The deposit has been seen in the past mainly as a strontium deposit and
the chief economic minerals are strontianite and monazite. The main use of strontium has
been as a coating for computer and TV screens (to prevent the emission of x-rays. Other
uses are in the manufacture of ferrite magnets, as a red colourant (especially in flares and
fireworks) as an electrolyte in zinc refineries, in the paint industry and as a superconductor.
One of the important features of this project is that the tailings of the strontianite/rare earths
plant can be further beneficiated to provide feedstock for agricultural lime (and or hydrated
lime) manufacture and phosphate fertilisers (Rift Valley, 2002).
99
Figure 45: Lanthanide contraction
Lanthanide contraction
2.7
2.7
2.67
2.65
2.64
2.62
2.6
2.59
2.56
Atomic Radius
2.55
2.54
2.51
2.5
2.49
2.47
2.45
2.45
2.42
2.4
2.4
2.35
2.3
2.25
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
2.25
71
Atomic Number
Source: chemwiki.ucdavis.edu
The deposit is situated in an area with good infrastructure with a major tarred road 4 km from
the deposit and regional power lines only 5 km distant. The nearest rail is 12 km away and
the nearest railway station 25 km. Perhaps the biggest infrastructural difficulty will relate to
water since the Shire River is 30 km from the deposit (Rift Valley, 2002).
Rift Valley (2002) noted that the deposit contained over 100 Mt of reserves. They planned to
mine the deposit in as an open cut mine at a rate of 30 kt or ore per month, with a stripping
ratio of 0.5 to 1 (waste to ore) at a grade of 8% strontianite and 2,6% monazite. Recoveries
were expected to be 65% for the monazite and 70% for the strontianite to give an annual
production of annual production of almost 20 kt per annum of glass grade strontium
carbonate concentrate. More recently Venter (2011) indicated that the deposit has an
inferred resource of 107 kt REO at a average grade of 4,24% REO. This concurs with the
Lynas (2010) document which also gives a breakdown of the rare earth distribution in 5
“grab” samples as La2O3: 29.8%, CeO2: 49.7%, Pr6O11: 4.7%, Nd2O3: 14.0%, Sm2O3: 1.05%,
Eu2O3: 0.19%, Gd2O3: 0.36%, Tb4O7: 0.07%, Dy2O3: 0.08%, others: 0.04%.
100
Figure 46: Global rare earth production
Source: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2002/fs087-02/
6.22.1.2. Machinga (Nacala SDI)
Globe Metals and Mining may earn an 80% interest in the Machinga rare-earths project from
Malawian company Resource Star by funding all activity up to and including a feasibility
study (Swanepoel, 2010; Resource Star, 2010). High-grade multi-metal mineralization has
been reported from the project. Multiple mineralised horizons occur with rare earth-niobiumtantalum mineralization at surface. The rare earth mineralization discovered in an initial
trenching programme includes elevated heavy rare earths. High grades of heavy rare earth
elements such as dysprosium, thulium and ytterbium were identified in laboratory analysis of
multiple intercepts, each ranging in width from 5-7 m over an anomalous zone of 39 m in the
first trench. Furthermore niobium, tantalum and zirconium mineralization occurs with the rare
earths. The executive chairman of Globe metals and mining is reported to have stated:
“These results demonstrate the significant heavy rare earth potential of the Machinga Rare
Earth Project. Significantly, very high grades of dysprosium have been encountered.
Japanese motor vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota and Mitsubishi, among others, are
currently actively seeking long term, secure primary supplies of this particular element, and
we are well positioned to potentially fulfil a portion of this demand.” (Globe 2010a). The high
heavy to total rare earth ratio (HREO/TREO) shown in trench MATR001, at 32-38% is higher
than most of the major operating mines and deposits worldwide. Examples given in Globe
(2010a) are, Nechalacho deposit (Canada) - 20%, Kvanefjeld (Greenland) 14%, Mt Weld
(Australia) has 3% and Bayan Obo (China) 2%. The dysprosium (Dy) ratio at 3.3-3.7%
Dy2O3:TREO is particularly significant. Most major rare earth element deposits with the
exception of Nechalacho (average ~2% Dy2O3:TREO), have much lower ratios of between
0.1 and 0.5%.The main anomaly geochemical results can be seen in Figure 47 whilst results
of some intercept results for trench MATR001, which targeted mineralization hosted in pegmatite at
the high-grade northern tip of the Machinga North anomaly are tabulated in Table 25.
101
Figure 47: Main anomaly in Northern Machinga
Source: Globe 2010a
Table 25: Significant results from trench MATR001 - main anomaly – N. Machinga
Trench ID
MACH001
From
(m)
To
(m)
Width
(m)*
TREO
(ppm)
HREO
(ppm)
Dy2O3
(ppm)
Tm2O3
(ppm)
Yb2O3
(ppm)
Nb2O5
(ppm)
Ta2O5
(ppm)
ZrO2
(ppm)
48
53
5
9,797
3,216
331
39
237
6,042
217
13,029
61
68
7
12,630
4,645
491
58
345
6,310
354
18,103
81
87
6
8,845
3,412
333
45
271
4,456
250
16,782
Source: Globe 2010a
*Estimated true widths are 60-70% of intercept widths. Dysprosium, thulium and ytterbium are heavy rare earth elements and
therefore included also in the TREO and HREO totals in the above table, whilst HREO are also included in the TREO total.
Be aware that these are trench results all from approximately 2m depth. The “From” and “To” columns indicate lateral distances
at surface, not depths.
The trenching programme carried out in 2010 was planned to test targets identified by
previous mapping, radiometric surveys, rock-chip and soil sampling programmes (Globe
2010a). The highest grade rock-chip samples were encountered in the northern area which
is dominated by pegmatite-hosted mineralization (trenches MATR 001-005). Trenches
102
MATR006-008 were positioned on the anomalous margin of the Malosa Pluton (Globe
2010a).
Whether or not there is surficial enrichment or depletion of the value elements is still
unknown (Globe 2010a).
Dysprosium
Dysprosium is used in a variety of high tech applications including the production of laser
materials. Dysprosium oxide-nickel cermets are used in neutron-absorbing control rods in
nuclear reactors. Dysprosium compounds are highly susceptible to magnetization and are
used for this property in the manufacture of various data storage applications, such as in
hard disks.
6.22.1.3. Mont Muambe
The Mont Muambe fluorspar deposit has been shown to have an important rare earth
component, which should improve its mineability rating. Please see section 6.9.3.3 for a full
discussion.
6.22.1.4. Songwe (Nacala SDI – Malawi)
Songwe, which is accessible by road from Zomba and Blantyre, is a volcanic vent in the
Chilwa Alkaline Province; it consists of veins and dykes intruding agglomerates and
breccias. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Metal Mining Agency
of Japan (MMAJ) prospected in the area between 1986 and 1988. They undertook
geochemical sampling, trenching, thin section, polished section, XRF and EPMA analysis,
and drilled 19 holes to 50 m. Several drill holes intersected carbonatite the best of which was
50 m grading 3.1% REO. The principal minerals hosting the REE, were identified by
JICA/MMAJ as being bastnäsite, synchysite, parisite, strontianite, monazite, pyrochlore and
apatite. Estimates of the mineralization range from1.37 Mt at 1.74% REO to 1.51 Mt at
1.73% REO (Mkango Resources, 2011)
6.23. Silver
In the Zambezi SDI silver occurs at the Missale vein gold Mine in the Chiuta District of the
Tete Province. Just south and southwest of this mine, silver is associated with several other
vein gold occurrences including Sta. Isabel, Chibalene and Fundão. The Cancanga gold
occurrence, approximately 30 km northeast of Tete has accessory silver, copper and
tungsten mineralization (Callaghan, 2002a).
In the Beira SDI silver is associated with all of the gold deposits occurring within the Manica
Mining Field and has been specifically recorded at the Revuè, Monarch, Braganca,
Mundoguara, Dot’s Luck and Inhamucarara deposits.
Although the silver content is important in gold mines and will sweeten the deposits. There
are at present no significant silver deposits in the study area.
6.24. Titanium and Zirconium
Mozambique has amongst the largest heavy mineral sands deposits in the world. Kenmare
has brought the first of the possible projects into production but there are others along the
coast and in the Nacala SDI in Southern Malawi. Chibuto (outside of the SDIs covered here)
is the world’s largest deposit of titanium-bearing sand. Development would require more
than $500 M for the mine, smelter and transportation facilities. BHP-Billiton decided not to
develop the Corridor Sands ilmenite deposit near Chibuto and the deposit has recently been
under international open tender by the Mozambican government. There were only two
applicants and the result of the tender was announced on 19 April 2011. Rock Forage
103
Titanium Ltd., a consortium made up of Mozambican and Canadian investors, was awarded
the tender ahead of the South African applicant MOD Chibuto Sands (Allafrica, 2011;
Macuahub, 2011i). BHP-Billiton had been developing another mineral sands project, TiGen,
at Moebase in Zambezia province; BHP acquired Corridor Sands through its purchase of
Australia’s WMC Resources. The titanium market is still in a state of oversupply, but it is
likely that this will be balanced by 2012 and move into undersupply by 2015. So although it is
unlikely that international markets could absorb output either the Moebase mine or even less
so the Corridor sands mine in the very near future, the prospect within 3-5 years looks much
more positive. The tender for Chibuto as well as the development of other deposits in the
SDI’s should be seen in the context of likely future prices of mineral sand products.
Watts (2011a) reports that the investment bank Credit Suisse had indicated that rutile,
ilmenite and zircon prices are expected to rise significantly before peaking in late 2012-2013.
Rutile prices are expected to average $775/t in 2011. Meanwhile zircon prices are at $1,3001,400 per tonne and they are expected to rise further (Watts, 2011b). The latest price of
zircon (23 March 2011) for the second quarter of 2011 is $1,500-1,600/t (FOB South Africa).
Many companies are announcing price rises at frequent intervals and as an example Du
Pont has announced a price increase of $300 per tonne for Ti-Pure® Titanium Dioxide
Products sold in Latin America effective 1 April 2011.
6.24.1. Deposits
Kenmare Resources’ $450m Moma titanium project is expecting to expand operations,
probably in 2012 to meet the expected increase in demand. Kenmare has a substantial
resource under licence, with the sum of the resources including 150 Mt ilmenite, 10 Mt zircon
and 3.3 Mt rutile (see Table 26). Moma plans to develop into the world’s third largest single
mine ilmenite producer with a long term output of 1.2 Mtpa ilmenite. At $120 per tonne this is
equivalent to $144 M per annum for the ilmenite alone. However, there is not expected to be
any production growth in 2011 since the Moma mine is currently working at maximum
capacity (Allafrica, 2010b). There are various other similar deposits on the Mozambique
coastline that are dormant at present.
Table 26: JORC compliant reserves and resources under licence to Kenmare
Area
Category
Mt
THM*
%
%
Ilmenite
Mt
Ilmenite
Mt
Rutile
Mt
Zircon
Namalope
Proved reserve
263
4.6
3.7
10
0.24
0.73
Namalope
Probable reserve
346
3.6
2.8
10
0.23
0.72
Makanjila
Probable reserve
251
3.5
2.9
7.3
0.12
0.41
Total reserve
859
3.8
3.1
27
0.59
1.9
Measured resource
167
3.3
2.5
4.2
0.1
0.4
Pilivili
Inferred resource
227
5.4
4.3
9.8
0.3
0.8
Mualadi
Inferred resource
327
3.2
2.6
8.4
0.2
0.7
Nataka
Inferred resource
4,500
2.9
2.4
110
2.2
7.1
Mpitini
Inferred resource
287
3.6
2.9
8.3
0.2
0.7
Marrua
Inferred resource
54
4.1
3.3
1.8
0.1
0.1
Quinga North
Inferred resource
71
3.5
2.8
2.0
0.1
0.2
Quinga South
Inferred resource
71
3.4
2.7
1.9
0.1
0.2
5,700
3.0
2.6
150
3.3
10
Congolone
Total resource
Source: kenmareresources.com
Note that the data is as at 30 June 2010
*Total heavy minerals (THM) consist typically of ilmenite (81%), zircon (6.4%), rutile (2.3%), with other minerals making
up the remaining 10% and
104
It is likely that the TiGen, at Moebase will be the next project to be developed with the
Malawian deposits and the Chibuto deposit following once demand has driven the price up.
Interestingly on the 25th April 2011, it was reported in Macuahub (2011m), that Mining
resources minister Esperança Bias, said that Companhia Mineira de Nabur had been
awarded the heavy sands concession for the Moebase area.
There are some distinct problems that will militate against the early development of Chibuto
besides the logistical issues that the mine would have. These are that the mine is essentially
a one mineral mine with limited rutile and zircon credits to be earned. As seen in the pricing
discussion ilmenite has currently got a much lower price than either rutile or zircon, so the
contribution of these other minerals, even though present in much smaller quantities may be
significant. Processing of the deposit is likely to be expensive due to the high fines content
(~17%) as well as the presence of chromite. Furthermore it is likely that to mine the deposit
economically the miner will have to rely on economies of scale. This may cause a situation
of oversupply of ilmenite to develop that would hurt especially this mine, because of its cost
profile and low ancillary mineral credits.
6.25. Downstream opportunities from heavy mineral sands mining
Downstream opportunities from heavy mineral sands mining include
1. The establishment of a pigment plant [unlikely due to tightly held technology].
2. Titanium metal production
3. Zircon beneficiation [this project could probably take place given the right incentives and
a supply of chlorine gas]
4. Silica
5. High purity pig iron
6.25.1.1. TiO2 Pigment Plant
It is unlikely that Mozambique will have the opportunity to build a pigment plant in the short
to medium term, due mainly to tightly held process licences. If circumstances change or new
technologies arise it would of course prove to be an ideal opportunity. The possibility is
described in Walker (2004) and will not be added to here.
6.25.1.2. Zircon Chemicals Plant
Process technology for the de Wet process mentioned in Walker, 2004 is likely to be
available in South Africa. Le Roux (2005) notes that beneficiated zircon products sell for 2x –
50x the price of zircon. The process requires an input of chlorine gas to produce zirconium
tetrachloride. The utilisation of the de Wet process in the beneficiation of zircon would offer
significant economic benefits to Mozambique. The full industrialisation impact is outlined in
figures from Walker (2004), which are reproduced in Appendix III.
6.25.1.3. High Purity Pig Iron Plant
This opportunity must also be seen in the light of the iron projects discussed in section 6.13.
Once a high purity pig iron (HPPI) plant is established in Mozambique the availability of the
HPPI means that a castings industry can be established. With the growing mining sector, the
production of castings for use on the mines could provide a good outlet for a business. A
foundry would also provide inputs for the establishment of a range of enterprises engaged in
the manufacture of parts for the automotive, construction, water supply and treatment, and
engineering industries (Walker, 2004). It is important to note that all of the key inputs listed
in Walker (2004) will be available in Mozambique if pig iron, is produced (the other inputs
listed are: bentonite, silica sand, and electricity).
105
6.25.1.4. Spatial Impact
In the current context it is most likely that the centre for pig iron production will be in Tete
and that if ilmenite is smelted elsewhere the pig iron would either be used locally or could be
transported upline to Tete.
6.25.2. Project Viability
Since the previous set of reports done by Mintek were completed Kenmare has become a
significant producer of ilmenite, zircon and rutile. Several other heavy mineral projects are
expected to get underway in Mozambique in the medium term of which it is expected that
Moebase may well be the first (see Table 27). In considering deposits outside of
Mozambique the Malawian deposits are reported to have excellent grades (see Table 28)
and if electricity can be sourced from power stations in Tete it is likely that it will be viable to
mine these deposits and produce slag and pig iron locally. It is imperative that facilities are
set up to add value so that the raw materials are not all exported.
Table 27: Resources at Moebase
Potentially Mineable resources
Ore Mt
TVHM %
Moebase
204
4.6
Lipobane
194
4.7
Moloque
59
4.9
Decksand
795
3.3
1,252
3.8
Total
Roskill, 2003.
6.26. Uranium
A number of sandstone-hosted deposits have been identified in the late Carboniferous early Jurassic Karoo rift basins of southern Africa deposits. The deposits are typically tabular
and occur at “energy drops” in fluvial sandstone successions, where organic material
accumulated and acted as a reductant for uranium dissolved in basin waters (Yeo, 2011).
Table 28: Reported resources from Malawian deposits – Nacala SDI
Tonnage
millions
Lake Chilwa
Salima
Makanjila
THM%
% Ilmenite
in ore
% Rutile
% Zircon
1,000
10.5
7.05
0.11
1.16
500
13.08
8.4
0.38
0.28
+1000 old
13.0
5.2
N/A
N/A
5.4
N/A
N/A
new
6.26.1.1. Balama Uranium Project (outside of study area)
A number of uranium radiometric anomalies occur in the 109 km2 Balama licence area. The
largest of the anomalies is about 4 km long and up to 500 m wide. The anomalies are
associated with vanadium bearing graphite schist. Graphite schists are common hosts for
unconformity style uranium deposits and would suggest that an unconformity model may be
an analogue for Balama (Jacana, 2010). The uranium anomalies also appear to be located
adjacent to an unconformity based on surface mapping (Jacana, 2010).
106
6.26.1.2. Chirundu Uranium Project (Nacala SDI – Zambia)
African energy has acquired 100% interest in the Chirundu and Kariba valley projects
(African Energy, 2011). The Chirundu project incorporates the Njame and Gwabe deposits.
The deposit has 11.1 Mlb U3O8 and its resource breakdown can be seen in Table 29.
Table 29: Chirundu project resource
Ore (Mt)
Grade ppm U3O8
U3O8 content (t)
Measured
4.0
313
1,252
Indicated
7.3
282
2,058
Inferred
7.4
236
1,746
Source: African Energy, (2011).
6.26.1.3. Dibwe (Nacala SDI – Zambia)
This is a Karoo sandstone hosted deposit. The mineralised zone dips gently to the
southeast, and is over 2,500 m long, 850 m wide and 3-5 m thick. Inferred resources are
9.0 Mlb at >0.02% U3O8.
6.26.1.4. Kanyemba Deposit (Nacala SDI – Zambia)
This uranium-vanadium deposit has an ore grade of 0,6% U and has a uranium content of
1,800 t.
6.26.1.5. Kariba Valley Uranium deposit (Nacala SDI – Zambia)
The Kariba Valley project is approximately 250 km from Lusaka by road, and 50 km to the
southwest of Denison Mines’ tenement that contains the Dibwe and Mutanga uranium
deposits. The deposit has not yet been drilled (African Energy, 2011).
6.26.1.6. Kayelekera (Nacala SDI - Malawi)
The Kayelekera uranium deposit is a Karoo sandstone hosted roll-front type deposit, which
has a JORC compliant (300ppm cut off) resource, which is shown in Table 30. The Malawi
project has proven reserves of 3.94 kt of contained uranium oxide. The mine started
producing in 2009 but has had a difficult initial period as regards infrastructure, pollution
issues and accusations of corruption (Mining-technology, 2011).
6.26.1.7. Mutanga (Zambezi SDI - Zambia)
Mutanga is a Karoo sandstone hosted deposit, which lies 40 km from a major paved
highway and only 35 km from the Kariba dam. It contains disseminated meta-autunite as
pore-fillings and grain coatings. Minor brannerite and coffinite also occur. The mineralised
zone is horizontal, about 1,400 m long, 1,000 m wide and up to 40 m thick. Resources are
2.0 Mlb measured, 5.8 Mlb indicated and 4.2 Mlb inferred at >0.02% U3O8 (Yeo, 2011).
Table 30: Kayelekara JORC (2004) resource
JORC compliant resource at
300 ppm cut off
Ore (Mt)
Grade ppm U3O8
U3O8 content (t)
Measured
3.42
1,211
4,141
Indicated
18.78
725
13,616
Inferred
3.9
552
2,152
Source: Mining-technology, 2011.
107
The deposit will be mined in an open pit with mechanical excavators because the ore is
shallow and the host rocks poorly indurated. The autunite is amenable to acid heap leaching
(Yeo, 2011).
6.26.1.8. Mavusi (Zambezi SDI)
The 54.58 ha prospect includes the previously producing Mavusi and Castro Uranium mines.
North River Resources has signed a joint venture agreement with Jacana Resources Ltd. to
fund an initial exploration programme. The uranium occurs as vein style davidite
mineralization in shear zones, hosted in gabbros and anorthosite. Mavuzi produced uranium
from 1950‐1973. Production records indicate that 50 t of uranium was extracted from 1947 to
1950 but there are no known production records from 1950 to 1973. Mining ceased in 1973 due
to the Mozambique civil war and the execution of the mine manager.
More recent drilling has so far concentrated around the old mine area. Results include (Jacana,
2010, Kehoe, 2011):
Mavuzi Mine - 2m @ 3,400 ppm U308, within 8m @ 1000 ppm U308 from 30m down hole
with a maximum value of 4,600 ppm U308.
Airport – 7m @ 300 ppm U308 from 31 m down hole with highest values up to 1,000 ppm
Kaboazi Creek - Two mineralised zones
From 1 m down hole with values up to 700 ppm U308 within 6 m of 270 ppm U308
Values up to 1,300 ppm U308 from 26m down hole within 4m @ 500 ppm U308
Copper and molybdenum apparently also occur in the area, and gold has been recorded on
a neighbouring tenement. Allanite, a rare earth rich mineral, has been recorded in syenites
several kilometres long and up to 800 metres wide in the Castro and Inhatobui areas (North
River, 2011).
Figure 48: Mutanga Uranium project
Source: Denison mines
108
6.26.1.9. Serra de Gorongosa (Zambezi valley SDI -18.4333o : 34.1000o)
Serra de Gorongosa is a large, lower Jurassic intrusion (Pekkala et al, 2008), which rises
2,000 m above the surrounding plain. The complex consists of a central core of
micropegmatite granite, which intruded an earlier gabbroic intrusion (Cilek, 1989). The
intrusion shows a distinct uranium and thorium anomaly (Pekkala et al, 2008).
6.26.1.10. Zambezi Valley Project – Mantra Resources Limited (Zambezi valley SDI)
Mantra Resources Limited is conducting uranium exploration in the northwestern
Mozambique immediately adjacent to the Zimbabwean border. They hold four licences in the
area covering some 684 km² (See Figure 49) immediately across the border from the
Zimbabwean the Kanyemba Uranium deposit. Mantra is targeting sandstone hosted
uranium mineralization in the middle to upper Karoo Sequence. (Mantra, 2010).
6.26.1.11. Sena Uranium Project (Zambezi SDI)
The Sena project is a poorly explored Karoo aged deposit occurring within the Zambezi SDI.
An airborne radiometric survey revealed two main uranium anomalies on the 350 km2 Sena
tenement. The southern anomaly corresponds with a radon anomaly in the soil. The
combined length of the two anomalies is approximately 20 km and each is around 8 km
(Jacana, 2010).
Figure 49: Simplified Geology and location of the Zambezi Valley Project
Source: mantraresources.com.au
109
Figure 50: Simplified Geology and location of the Uranium Projects
Source: www.jacanaresources.com.au
110
7. MINING
7.1. Mozambique
Exploration, project evaluation and mining were not possible on a large scale in Mozambique
before the signing of the peace accord in 1992. In 1999 mining accounted for less than 1%
of GDP. The importance of mining’s role in achieving sustainable economic development
was recognised by the government and a programme to obtain geological information was
instituted comprising mapping and broad geophysical exploration. More than 400,000 km²
were covered from 1979 to 1984. The mining law passed in 2002 has provided an adequate
structure for the opening of the mining sector to international investors and as a result of
these actions by government and the changing world scenario, the amount of direct
investment in mining activity in Mozambique rose from $101m in 2004 to $804m in 2008.
7.1.1. Current situation
The mining world in Mozambique has undergone rapid change in the past 10 years and it is
expected that the next 10 will be even more dramatic. Currently there is production of natural
gas, ilmenite, rutile, zircon and tantalum and overall mineral production is likely to increase
markedly and now coal is to be mined on a large scale in Tete.
Mozambique is a significant producer of aluminium from imported bauxite, ilmenite, tantalum
and zircon. In 2008 it produced 9% of the world tantalum and 2% of the worlds ilmenite and
zircon (Yager, 2008). Production of many minerals is increasing rapidly as the country
concentrates on stimulating the industry.
7.1.2. Artisanal Mining in Mozambique
Most of the artisanal mining activity is found in Manica, Tete, Nampula, Zambézia and
Niassa, although there is also some activity in Cabo Delgado. SGAB (2003) indicated that
there were more than 10,600 artisanal miners in Mozambique (Table 31) whilst Cronwright
(2005) and Mbendi, (2010) estimate that some 50,000 artisanal workers are involved in tantalite,
gold and gemstone mining in Mozambique.
Table 31: Numbers of artisanal miners by province
Province
Commodities mined
No.of Artisanal miners
Manica
Gold
2,000-6,000
Tete
Gold, gems
1,000-3,000
Nampula
Gold, gems
2,000-6,000
Niassa
Gold
5,000-10,000
Zambézia
Gold, gems, Tantalite
Cabo Delgado
Gems
500-3,000
100-300
Total
10,600-28,300
Source: SGAB, 2003
Gold is by far the most important commodity being exploited by the artisanal miners, but in
the pegmatite areas of Nampula, Zambézia and Cabo Delgado semi-precious stones (mainly
aquamarines and tourmalines) and tantalite are mined. Generally, the deposits being
exploited are alluvial, eluvial or colluvial deposits or the weathered upper part of hard rock
deposits (SGAB, 2003). The extraction of the ore is always with artisanal methods and
neither mechanized equipment nor explosives are used. Workings are shallow, seldom
reaching 4 m in depth. (SGAB, 2003).
111
The principal method for gold processing is panning, usually using a locally made wooden
pan. Primitive sluice-boxes) are also in use. Small ball mills were observed at least at one
mine. Mercury is often used to form an amalgam with gold from panning concentrates.
Precious stones are usually recovered by sieving and hand-picking (SGAB, 2003).
7.2. Alternative mining techniques – Coal
7.2.1. Coal bed methane
Coal bed methane (CBM) refers to methane (CH4) adsorbed onto the solid matrix of some
coal seams. Methane presents a serious safety risk in underground mining. The methane
lines pores in the coal in a near-liquid state (Figure 51), whilst free gas may occur in cleats.
The gas tends to be very pure without H2S, propane or butane, but typically with a small
percentage of CO2, ethane and nitrogen. The CBM content of coal increases with burial
depth, coal rank and reservoir pressure. It is held within the coal by impermeable rock and
by the hydrostatic pressure exerted by ground water. When the seam is depressurised by
the removal of the water the gas is released.
Figure 51: Movement of Methane in Coal
Source: Centrica, 2010
Coal bed reservoirs tend to have a low porosity ranging from 0.1-10%. Permeability of the
coal matrix is low and most liquid and gas movement is through cleats and joints. Since
cleats tend to form rectangular patterns within the coal, the flow of fluids within coal seams
follows a roughly rectangular pattern. However the typical permeability pattern is anisotropic
and thus, drainage areas around coal bed methane wells tend to be elliptical in shape. The
porosity, and permeability of the coal seams is of critical importance for the production of
coal bed methane.
If holes are drilled into the coal bed and water pumped out then the hydrostatic pressure is
released, the methane is desorbed and is able to migrate to the production well (Myers,
2005) where water and gas move to the surface. The gas is then sent to a compressor and
the water is reinjected into isolated formations or if desalinated may be used for irrigation. As
the gas is desorbed, the pressure exerted by the gas inside the pores decreases, the pores
shrink causing loss of permeability which restricts gas flow through the coal. However if the
overall matrix shrinks as well, causing the cleats to widen, the increased gas flow can
enhance production. A simplified diagram showing the mining technique is shown in Figure
52.
Nelson Ocuane, CEO of the state-owned Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH),has
declared the company’s interest in searching for ideal coal bed methane (CBM) prospects in
Mozambique. He already estimates a resource of over 1 trillion cubic feet (tcf) to be available
(China Coal Resource, 2010). Vale has been reported as being in negotiation for three CBM
concessions (Imara, 2011).
112
Figure 52: Coalbed methane recovery
Source: http://serc.carleton.edu/research_education after USGS
Coal bed methane extraction is a mature production technology, which is on the increase
worldwide as energy sources are depleting. It is used to extract gas from coal that is not in
itself mineable. The procedure is relatively inexpensive, however, it does have some serious
environmental impacts. The chief impacts are loss of surface land usage (see Figure 53)
since a network of access roads, drilling sites, powerlines, compressor sites and
containment ponds are required and impacts relating to the removal of water, all of which
can be severe impacts especially in areas where rural communities are living on the land.
These latter impacts may vary greatly dependent on the quantity and initial quality of the
water and what is done with the water (reinserted into isolated permeable horizons,
contained for evaporation, or cleaned (desalinated) for surface usage or discarding into
surface waterways). It is important to note that if the local population of farmers rely on
groundwater for their water needs that water wells may dry up. Noise pollution is a further
serious factor if the gas is to be compressed for export. A further risk is that of spontaneous
combustion of the coal beds due to oxygen being introduced.
If coal bed methane is to be produced in Mozambique it is important that there is an in-depth
look at the concomitant pollution factors that will arise so that the mining and environmental
law can ensure that adequate standards are set so as not to have a severe impact on local
communities as well as possible impacts on communities and agriculture downstream from
the CBM fields.
As a note of caution, the technology requires suitable coal that has a high permeability and
an offtake agreement that can deal with possibly highly variable quantities produced.
113
Figure 53: Land usage for coal bed methane production in Western Colorado
Source: Billings Gazette, (2009)
114
8. MINERAL LEGISLATION
8.1. Mozambique
Mozambique is committed to encouraging foreign investment in mining. Current policy
requires all applications for exploration and mining rights to be addressed to the Minister of
Mineral resources and Energy for processing by the National Directorate of Mines. The laws
applicable to mining in Mozambique include the mining law (Law no 14 of 2002) promulgated
on 26 June 2002 and its related mining regulations (Decree 62 of 2006). These regulations
deal in detail with the administrative procedures for applications and processing of
applications for licences and permits. The regulations include obligations, for example the
titleholder must submit an adequate work programme and minimum expected expenses for
the following year within a period of three months prior to the completion of each annual
period.
Also important are laws 11 of 2007 and 13 of 2007, which relate to the mining tax regime.
In law 14/2002, it is stated that the mineral resources of the Republic of Mozambique are the
property of the State and that the right to conduct reconnaissance, prospecting, research, or
to exploit mineral resources is granted through mining titles or permits. Mining titles and
permits are granted on the basis of first-come first-served basis, taking into account the date
of receipt of the respective applications.
The available types of permits and concessions are: reconnaissance licences, exploration
licences, mining concessions, mining certificates and mining passes.
Reconnaissance licence The reconnaissance licence is governed by section II of the
mining law. The licence may be granted to any individual or legal person, national or
foreign, with juridical capacity and allows reconnaissance over a broad area (up to
100,000 hectares) for a non-renewable term of up to 2 years. The cost of the licence
is $0.10 per hectare and is non-exclusive. It allows overflight and access rights for the
purpose of reconnaissance, the right to remove samples and to occupy land and erect
any temporary installations, camps, buildings or structures, and to use water, timber and
other materials required for the reconnaissance. It allows certain rights for obtaining an
exclusive exploration licence over a smaller area at the end of the period. The licence is
not transferable. Applicants should be informed of whether a reconnaissance licence is
granted within 10 days of a decision being adopted.
Exclusive exploration licence Exploration licences are governed by section 3 of the
mining law. A licence allows exclusive exploration rights to an area for a period of five
years, with the possibility to renew for another 5 years. The licence is transferable
subject to conditions set out in the regulations. It allows the holder access to the area
and to exclusively explore for the mineral or associated minerals as laid out in the
regulations. To collect and remove samples and to conduct trial processing of ore. The
holder also has the right to sell specimens and samples obtained for exploration, occupy
land and erect temporary installations, camps, etc, use water, timber and other
necessary materials for exploration. The cost is $1.00 per hectare. The fee rises by
$0.50 per hectare every year and the holder must reduce the area by at least 50% for
every renewal. The holder is also required to submit a report on exploration carried out
and monies expended.
Mining Concession: In order to hold a mining concession the company (legal person)
must be established and registered in Mozambique. A mining concession may only be
granted to a person holding an exploration licence and thus the holder of an exploration
licence has the exclusive right to apply for a mining concession. An environmental
licence and land usage and benefit permit must be obtained before any operations may
be started and these must be obtained within 3 years of the issue of the mining
concession. Where the applicant is the current holder of a Prospecting and Research
Licence and has fulfilled all the obligations of that licence, a mining concession may be
115
granted immediately. The concession allows for exclusive right to occupy land, to exploit
the mineral resources identified in the research phase, and undertake the necessary
works. The concession holder may request the usage title of the land and the
concession is transferable under the provisions of the legislation
Mining Certificate: May be granted to any individual or legal person domiciled in
Mozambique, or to a cooperative or family for a maximum term of 2 years, renewable for
a further periods of 2 years, providing that the mining operation does not exceed 500
hectares. A mining certificate may not be granted to any person other than the person
who holds an exploration licence and thus the holder of an exploration licence has the
exclusive right to apply for a mining certificate. The holder is given the right to occupy
and use the land and undertake small scale mining operations on an exclusive basis.
The holder may apply for a mining concession
Mining Pass: May be granted to Mozambican nationals, it is non transferable and
allows the holder to undertake small scale mining.
Mozambique has introduced an electronic mining cadastre system that has regularised the
process of applying for mining licences, significantly improving access by foreign investors to
its mining industry.
8.1.1. Taxation
The corporate income tax rate in Mozambique is 35%, with a 50% reduction allowed for
mines for the first ten years of production. The following incentives are in place:
Exploration and development expenditures may be accumulated and carried forward
until the first year of production
A choice of depreciation rates is available
All mining equipment, materials and subcontractor fees are exempted from import duties
Mines are exempted from dividend withholding tax (18%) for ten years from the start of
production
There is an exemption from sales tax, and certain other duties and taxes on mineral
exports (Mbendi, 2010).
Mozambique has set royalties at 3% on all minerals except precious metals (5%),
gemstones (6%) and diamonds (10%).
8.2. Zambia
Due to the long history of mining on the Zambian copperbelt, Zambia has a well-established
legal and service infrastructure for the mining sector. The current mining law was passed in
1995, and it gives all the basic assurances required by international investors. These include
security of tenure, a stable fiscal regime and the right to market your mineral product, and to
trade mineral rights (African Eagle, 2007).
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9. MINERAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
9.1. Introduction
This section of the report is intended to act as an update to the Mintek report “A Scan of the
Opportunities Arising from Resource-based Projects in the Zambezi Valley, Mozambique”
compiled by Marian Walker in 2004. The original report is used with permission of Graham
Smith of the SDI programme.
Spatial development initiative (SDI) programmes rely on ‘anchor projects’ to kick off
economic development in a region and therefore it is important to clarify which projects in a
region may potentially give the level of opportunity to act as ‘anchor projects’. However it is
equally important to understand how densification might be achieved as such projects begin,
so as not to simply end up as exploit and export projects.
Mining projects in Africa have in the past typically been used as exploit and export projects,
but the economic development potential of many mining projects to the local and regional
economy is considerable. Mozambique is particularly fortunate in that it has the opportunity
now, in the early phase of major mining activity, to ensure that mineral capital is developed
into forms of renewable capital so that once the mineral wealth is exhausted it is left with a
viable modern economy and a highly developed society.
To ensure such minerals based development it is essential that the mineral wealth leads to a
well developed ‘cluster’ of industrial and service activities to support the mining sector, and
especially activities that lead to the export of goods and services. The development of
linkages and the clustering of business can develop both directly and indirectly from the
construction and successful operation of resource-based projects (Walker, 2004). “Direct
impacts include upstream, sidestream and downstream activities. Indirect impacts refer to
the broader economic linkages and spin-off effects that are induced in the local economy as
a consequence of each of these direct impacts. These include the linkages that arise
between the various resource-based projects themselves as well as different sectors in the
immediate vicinity of the project and further afield. The scale and depth of clustering that
arises as a consequence of indirect impacts is likely to be much more extensive and the
employment multipliers much greater than those arising from direct spin-offs. It is the degree
of direct linkage development, therefore, which ultimately determines the long-term maturity
and success of clustering around a project and in the local economy. Each direct spin-off
from the initial industry provides the impetus for further employment spin-offs either in
supporting industries and enterprises or the service sector. These indirect spin-offs, in turn,
facilitate the diversification of the economy through the development of additional
manufacturing and service activities as employee demands for different products begins to
increase.” (Walker, 2004)
The report by Walker (2004) reviews downstream opportunity based on six projects with
inter-linkages from these projects as well as the sidestream spin-offs being identified and
mapped. These will be updated here, and as in the original report a brief assessment will be
made regarding what are currently considered in terms of strategic importance, infrastructure
limitations, capital intensity and employment impact. As in the original project the
assessment is based on a ‘rule of thumb’ methodology. It is important to note here that the
original project only considered opportunities in the Zambezi SDI.
117
The projects discussed in the report by Walker (2004) were:
The development of the Moatize coalfields in Tete
The Mont Muande magnetite project
A limestone quarry and lime burner at Cheringoma or at Dondo
Exploitation of the Mont Chiperoni nepheline syenite deposit
Exploitation of heavy mineral deposits in the Quelimane area
Production of acid grade fluorspar at Mont Muambe 50 km southeast of Tete.
The development of the Moatize coalfield is now progressing well, but as far as can be
determined the other projects have not been followed through at this stage.
9.2. Fatal flaw analysis
There are no fatally flawed projects amongst those listed in the final selections. From a
mining standpoint there are no projects that are technically too difficult to mine. There is
always a way (except if it is 4,000 m below surface or on the sea bed). As mining becomes
more complex it becomes more expensive and economics would then become the limiting
factor. Metallurgically one has to deal with the problem of separating the valuable material
from the ore. There are many cases where this is not economically feasible, but again in the
projects presented here they are all most probably feasible. The economics of the processes
may count against some of them in the final analysis this cannot be determined until detailed
test work is done. Perhaps a more important factor her is the availability of the technology
since some technology is tightly held. It is for this reason that a titanium pigment plant is not
included in the list of manufacturing opportunities at this stage. It must be noted that the
nepheline syenite plant will depend on specific technology and it would be wise to ensure
that the technology would be available before any progress is made towards mining the
deposits.
For mining, size is important; there are relationships between the amount of established
resources in the ground, the annual production and the life of the project. If the project is too
small for its particular class and the upfront capital requirement cannot be repaid, then the
project cannot happen. It’s here that the government can assist in terms of infrastructure as
most single projects cannot bear the cost of, for example, railway lines and power generation
alone, up-front. Ideally, government should supply the full infrastructural support to the
mining companies and then recoup the costs through taxes, which are then paid through the
life of the mine.
When a good database of projects is available some projects may not happen simply
because there are slightly better ones of the same commodity at a locality which is
preferable to the market.
9.3. Assessment of projects & project shortlist
Walker (2004) used grading criteria for the various projects, which will be updated here. It is
important to establish which projects are most likely to be to be economically viable in the
short- and medium-term. Each of the mineral-based industrial projects discussed here are
graded according to three criteria. These are technical issues (Table 32), risk (Table 33),
and other criteria such as current project status and the strength of the corporate/commercial
backing for each project.
The projects in this study were ranked using the criteria set out in Table 32 and the results
are shown in Table 34. Note that where the project is the same as that mentioned by Walker
(2004) it has been reassessed with current conditions.
118
Table 32: Technical selection criteria
Criteria
Rating Category
Item
Code
1
2
3
Capital
requirement
A
> $ 40 million
$ 10-40 million
$ 0-10 million
Life of operation
B
<10 years
10-20 years
>20 years/ongoing
Marketing
C
Difficult: Specialised
Standard
Easy: Commodity
Employment
D
< 50 employees
50-100 employees
>100 employees
Logistics
E
Major
problem:
remote location
Manageable issue
Limited problem:
Power
F
Major
problem:
remote location
Manageable issue
Limited problem:
Water
G
Major problem
Manageable issue
Limited problem:
Environment
Impact
H
High
Medium
Low
Source: Modified after Walker (2004)
Table 33: Risk/Impact matrix
Financial Impact
Degree of risk
High risk- low impact
High risk & medium
impact
1
Medium,
impact
High risk – High impact
2
risk-
low
Medium risk & impact
2
Low risk – low impact
3
3
Medium risk – High impact
3
4
Low risk & medium
impact
Low risk – High impact
4
5
Table 34: Ranking of projects by technical criteria and risk/economic impact
Project
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
R/I
Total
Benga coal mine
1
3
3
3
2*
3
2
1
4
22
Coke plant
1
3
3
2
3
3
3
1
3
22
Coal fed power plant
1
3
2
3
2
3
3
1
3
21
Zambeze coal mine
1
3
3
3
1*
3
2
1
4
21
Tete magnetite-ilmenite-phosphate mine
1
3
2
3
2
3
2
1
4
21
Tete Iron and steel production
1
3
1
3
3
3
3
1
3
21
3
2
1
1
3
3
3
3
2
21
Ncondezi coal mine
1
2
3
3
1*
3
2
1
3
20
Jewellery factory
2
2
1
1
3
3
3
3
2
20
Fertiliser production
2
2
2
1
2
3
3
2
3
20
Zircon beneficiation plant
3
3
1
1
2
3
3
2
2
19
Gemstone cutting
factory##
119
Project
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
R/I
Total
Nepheline Syenite Plant
1
3
2
3
1
2
2
2
3
19
Ilmenite slag & HPPI production
1
2
3
2
2
2
3
1
3
19
Cheringoma limestone Quarry & Kiln
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
18
Graphite mine and Plant
3
2
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
18
Uranium Mine (Zambia)
2
2
2
2
2
1
3
1
3
18
Mont Muambe fluorspar mine and plant
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
17
Mineral sands mine (Coastal)
2
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
3
15
*Seen as becoming increasingly difficult as more mines come on line
## Discovered after rating that this is now in existence – it will not be discussed further in the document
1. This Matrix is constructed looking at the short to medium term. In the longer term ratings will differ.
2. It is assumed here that the chosen mining projects will pass a feasibility study
3. Note that several of the downstream projects require mining projects with a lower rating to be in place before they
can be considered.
4. Projects rating 20 and above will be considered in more detail
9.3.1. Risk note
Benga, Zambeze and Ncondezi Coal Projects
Benga Coal Project tops the list much as the Moatize mine topped the list in the Walker
(2004) report. The Zambeze project is lower on the list chiefly due to the logistical issue that
(if export is the chief consideration) will increase as more mines start producing. Ncondezi is
smaller and at an earlier stage of development leading to a lower rating on the impact : risk
table. The risk profile on all of these will drop considerably once in operation with offtake in
place.
Coke Plant
A coke plant would be of great value to the Tete region allowing the full value of the coal to
be used by development of a downstream industry based on by products and at the same
time lowering the load to export. However its feasibility has not been tested and it must
remain to be seen as a high-risk project until a detailed study of available coking coal is
made as well as a careful logistical study. As in the case of many of these projects, the
cross-opportunity of projects is greatly increased where several of them are developed
together, as will be seen in the discussion of fertiliser manufacture.
Coal fed power plant(s)
Both Vale and Riversdale are looking at the possibility of coal fired power plants largely to
convert lower grade thermal coal to easily transportable electrical energy. However until
suitable projects can come on line to consume the electricity produced these too must have
a high risk profile. The value of concomitant development of energy hungry projects like a
steel mill and/or nepheline syenite plant cannot be undervalued in the developmental
planning of the region.
Tete magnetite-ilmenite-phosphate Project
Earmarking a possible mine so early in its exploration history is difficult and perhaps
foolhardy. However, it appears as if this prospect really does have a good chance of
becoming a major producing mine in the region. The greatest difficulty it will have may be to
export its ore. But this should be seen as an advantage to the region since it highlights the
advantages of going downstream and producing high value end products that can withstand
transport costs. The project is ideally situated to go downstream with an over-abundance of
coal, coke and once power stations are built, energy on its doorstep.
Iron and steel manufacture in Tete
120
The local production of iron and steel in Tete is an opportunity that cannot be missed if the
mining of the Tete magnetites goes ahead. As mentioned above the development of a
downstream industry based on the Tete titanomagnetites is an ideal opportunity. The chief
waste product can find many uses in a developing economy since important uses for slag is
in railway ballast, road fill cement, various industrial insulating products and even in
fertilisers. Currently the world average for the recovery of ironmaking slags is approaching
100% whilst that of steelmaking slags is close to 80% (Worldsteel, 2010). However no
matter how exciting the project may appear it is important to remember that historically the
steel industry has been a “feast or famine” industry. The capital intensivity of the industry
and the fickle nature of the construction industry, which represents the major take-off for the
steel industry, leads to a high risk level for such a project. It does appear that there has been
a fundamental change in world economics, which will support the steel industry for the next
20-30 years, but the risks must always be kept in mind.
Gemstone cutting factory
After this was included and rated Letlapa discovered that a gem cutting centre has already
been set up in Nampula in September 2010. As a result it will not be pursued further here. In
a report dated 21 April 2011, Macuahab (2011k) indicated that the cutting works would be
officially opened by Mining Resources Minister, Esperança Bias, during her visit to Nampula
province. The works employ some 47 people and can produce 200-300 grams of cut stones
per day. The $280,000 cutting works is funded by investments from Mozambique, Brazil and
Guinea.
Gold jewellery factory
The Tsoza Gold refinery opened late last year in Manica, and is able to process 50 kg of raw
gold per week (http://tsozagold.weebly.com). Together with the gem cutting factory this
opens the real possibility of going one step further and producing gold and silver jewellery
set with Mozambican gemstones. Although such a business presents a reasonable amount
of up front risk, once it has established a market the risk is much lower. Mozambique should
take the opportunity to add value to its mineral products whilst at the same time adding value
to the tourism experience. The marketing model of Stern in Brazil works very well and would
be the ideal way to deal with marketing in Mozambique – especially in coastal cities where
tourism can expect a handsome growth in years to come.
Fertiliser factory
This opportunity, right in the heart of good agricultural areas, rests heavily on several other
projects – coke or synfuel manufacture to provide the nitrogen, phosphate mining (Evate or
Mont Muande) and nepheline syenite mining and downstream manufacture (for the potash
by-product). Several other byproducts may also be used such as some of the slag from iron
smelting and gypsum from various industrial processes. The advantages of developing these
opportunities together cannot be over-stressed.
Zircon Chemicals Plant
Process technology for the de Wet process mentioned in Walker, 2004 is likely to be
available in South Africa. Callaghan 2004 points out that the IP rights belonged to Dr de Wet,
Kumba Resources and the UP at that time. The first plant using this process as developed
by the South African firm Geratech, opened in Mohale city, South Africa in 2005. The plant
cost R40 M and is capable of producing up to 8 ktpa of beneficiated zircon products. Le
Roux (2005) notes that beneficiated zircon products sell for 2x – 50x the price of zircon. The
process requires an input of chlorine gas to produce zirconium tetrachloride. The utilisation
of the de Wet process in the beneficiation of zircon would offer significant economic benefits
to Mozambique. The full industrialisation impact is outlined in figures from Walker (2004),
which are reproduced in Figure 3 Appendix III.
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Nepheline Syenite Plant
The nepheline syenite plant has a high risk - high impact grading. Market risk is high due to
the economies of scale required to successfully operate the plant, particularly with regard to
the associated cement production. There is also considerable technical risk concerning the
process that was developed for use on ore with higher alumina content. The process flow
sheet is complex which creates an elevated degree of operational risk. Although capital
requirements are high, operating margins will probably be low (Walker, 2004). This project
is likely to become increasingly favourable in time since the resource is so large and as
Africa develops, there will be a fast increasing demand for cement.
Ilmenite slag and high purity pig iron production
Opportunities exist for the production of ilmenite slag and high purity pig iron (HPPI) in two
localities, either at the coast to serve coastal heavy minerals production or in Tete if the Tete
magnetites are mined. Research has shown that the titanium and magnetite may be able to
be well separated on a commercial basis. Assuming this is so, there will be a good deal of
ilmenite becoming available in an area were there is plenty of power and assuming the
magnetite is smelted, a need for scrap or HPPI for blending (HPPI is a scrap substitute in
steelmaking where it is used in both electric arc furnace or blast furnace processes). This is
a medium risk project that once again will find its full value when related to other projects.
Limestone Quarry & Burner Plant
A limestone quarry and burner plant in Mozambique is likely to be economically viable. The
project carries a medium risk and low impact weighting. This can be attributed to the
geological and technical challenges associated with the limestone inputs and processing
operations required (Walker, 2004).
Graphite mine and plant
High quality crystalline graphite is a rare commodity and since Mozambique has resources
of this the material should be fully beneficiated locally. Ideally there should be a plan to bring
in industry downstream of the beneficiation plant to produce finished graphite products for
export. This project is considered low risk due to the current and expected future high
demand for flake graphite. The Ancuabe and Satèmua projects are to be considered.
Mont Muande Magnetite Mine
This study confirms that of Walker 2004 with regard to Mont Muande magnetite mine being a
high risk - medium impact project. The economic viability of the project is heavily influenced
by the quality of the magnetite. In the case of the Mont Muande deposits, the orebody is rich
in P2O5 and will thus present a metallurgical challenge. Orebody complexity (variable
magnetite and high apatite values), moreover, will make management of the pit and
concentrator plant difficult to manage. (Walker, 2004).
Uranium Mine
This project is seen as being too early in its development to have a clear path to mining, but
nevertheless it is still seen as a medium risk project, which will probably go to a mining
phase before 2020.
Fluorspar Mine and Acid Grade Fluorspar Plant
This report supports Walker 2004 in the contention that the establishment of a fluorspar mine
producing acid-grade fluorspar is potentially viable project in the Zambezi SDI with a medium
risk - medium impact grading. Establishing a more conclusive assessment of the viability of
the project is constrained by a lack of adequate geological information about the ore bodies,
although there is considerably more information available now than there was when the
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Mintek report was published especially with regard to the rare earth potential. China, which
currently produces more than half the world’s fluorite, is cutting back on exports and rare
earths (and especially the “heavy” rare earths are very much in demand, and are likely to
remain so in years to come. Certainly the demand/supply situation is good for a new mine of
this size to start production, and although there are transport and energy challenges, there is
no doubt that these can be dealt with. When the Mintek report was published, fluorspar
demand was at a low ebb with CFCs having been phased out and metallurgical demand low
(Walker, 2004). Since then China has emerged as a growing industrial power with a high
growth rate, and notwithstanding the severe setback from the global financial crisis, which
put the fluorspar market under pressure, the market is now showing strong signs of recovery
and future demand is expected to be high. The South African Company Sallies put its
Buffalo mine on care and maintenance in 2008 followed by its Witkop operation in June of
2009. It has recently announced that it will be reopening its Witkop mine. (Prinsloo, 2011).
The Heavy Minerals Sands Mine
The heavy mineral sands operations at Moebase and Quelimane are deemed to be high risk
- medium impact ventures. This assessment is based on the fact the resources are small
and there is still limited data about the geology of the resource.
9.3.2. Other projects for consideration
There are many other projects that should be considered, but for which the time has not yet
quite come. Some suggestions are:
Chibuto production of pig iron
Chibuto production of titanium slag
Chibuto titanium mine
Chidue copper mine
Dimension stone plant
Dimension stone mines throughout the area (eg Mont Mesa, Montepuez) but especially
in the Tete province
Estima dumortierite deposit mine
Evate apatite (Monapo Structure)
Gemstone deposits from the Zomba plateau and Likudzi
Hard rock and alluvial gold mining (esp. Revué River)
Heavy mineral sands at Salima, Monkey Bay, Unga Lake Chilwa and Tengani
Kanyika niobium Mine
Kaolin mines (Linthipe) and plant
Machinga rare earth-niobium-tantalum (Malawi)
Micaceous paint factory
Moma production of titanium slag and HPPI
Nepheline syenite downstream glass and ceramics industry
Rare earth chloride/carbonate plant
Rare earth separation plant / refinery
Rare earth mining from the Chilwa alkaline complex, Kangankunde Hill complex and
Monkey Bay
Syngas/liquid fuel production [note that this project may be fatally flawed - at least for
the Sasol process since it is understood that the amount of coal that will be available will
be too little for a plant to be built in the area. This needs further work to ascertain the
details]
Tete coal - chemical industry
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10. PROJECT PROFILES
10.1. Benga coal mine
10.1.1. Location
Within the Moatize-Minjova basin, about 10 km to the east of Tete in Mozambique
10.1.2. Status
Benga mine (owned by Riversdale - 65% and Tata Steel - 35%) was officially opened in April
2010. Riversdale has a 25 year mining lease on the deposit and has already had environmental
approval (mining and power). It has an excellent quality coking coal. In 2010 there was a 40%
LOM offtake agreement with Tata steel, and a 10% LOM offtake agreement pending with WISCO
and therefore 50% of the production is essentially sterilised to local beneficiation. Benga plans to
export its first shipment in September 2011 from Beira.
10.1.3. Short project description
Benga coal mine is one of the major coal mining opportunities in Mozambique with anJORC
compliant resource of 4,032 Mt (see Table 9). Once fully operational it expects to produce 10
Mt of coal per year (see Table 10). Mallyon (2010) has estimated that the seaborne coal
exports from Mozambique could get to 55 Mt by 2025 (See Figure 13).
Assuming that the infrastructure can cope, the Benga coal mine is expected to produce more
than 300 kt of ROM coal in 2011 of which it will export 300 kt of coking coal and 90 kt of
thermal coal between September and the end of the year (MacDonald, 2011). The Benga
project is being developed in phases. The first phase will produce 5.3 Mtpa ROM including
1.7 Mtpa of hard coking coal and 300 ktpa of thermal coal, for use in power stations (see
Table 10).
10.1.4. Its contribution to the business case
Current rail and port facilities cannot contend with the expected volumes and tonnages
within the next few years and even less so in the medium term. The answer to the
logistical/economic problem is not simple and requires an in-depth look at all of the
possibilities of local use export and interproject linkages.
10.1.5. Project linkages
This project links directly with the rail transport and port facilities available to, and in Beira
and Nacala, as well as requiring further investigation of river transport. Important linkages
are with the Tete magnetite project where coal (and possibly pulverized coal for the pulverized
coal injection (PCI) technology) could be used to produce iron and steel. It also links directly to
coal fired power stations, to local coke production and to the nepheline syenite project. All of
these projects will allow considerable local value addition whilst allowing a degree of import
substitution and significantly increasing possible export earning, at the same time as lowering the
pressure on the rail system.
10.1.6. Interventions required
Two lines of intervention are required. Firstly downstream value addition, which will lower
overall export tonnages, must be encouraged and incentives put in place. This will boost
manufacturing within Tete and will lead to long term economic sustainability. At the same
time careful planning is required as to actual expected transport load to the coast after local
take off and value addition. Adequate rail facilities must be put in place – in time to meet the
export demand.
125
10.1.7. Project sponsor or principal
Riversdale Mining Ltd
AUSTRALIA - CORPORATE OFFICE
Level 1, 50 Margaret Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Postal Address: Po Box 5371, Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: +61 2 8299 7900
Facsimile: +61 2 8299 7999
SOUTH AFRICA
140/142 Western Service Rd
Woodmead Business Park
Cypress Place North
Woodmead, South Africa, 2191
Postnet Suite 538
Private Bag x29 Gallo Manor 2052
Telephone: +27 11 802 1677
Facsimile: +27 11 802 6855
10.2. Coke plant
10.2.1. Location
The project is conceptual. Economics and government policy will inform its placement but it
is likely to be based in the Tete region.
10.2.2. Status
Although this project of a coke oven and by-product plant is conceptual, it is interesting to
note that the coke making technology company, DMT GmbH & Co. KG have run a project on
the analysis and carbonization of hard coking coal from Mozambique. This has included
single charge carbonization as well as blended tests to allow them to evaluate the potential
of the coal as coking coal (DMT, 2011).
10.2.3. Short project description
Mozambique coal is of excellent quality (See Figure 17). The coking coals are characterised
as hard metallurgical coals. It appears as if current plans are to export the coking coals as
such rather than producing coke and capturing all of the by-products to build into local
industry. However the benefits of doing so are great and therefore it is proposed that the
majority of the coking coal is manufactured into coke in Mozambique.
10.2.4. Its contribution to the business case
The by-products of the coking process are important and include a broad range of chemical
products that can be used to stimulate further industry locally or exported. Coal tar for
example can be refined and used to manufacture chemicals such as creosote oil,
naphthalene, phenol and benzene. Ammonia gas recovered from coke ovens is used in the
manufacture of nitric acid and importantly for nitrogen rich agricultural fertilisers. Other
downstream products can include di methyl ether (DME), soap, aspirin various solvents and
dyes, plastics and fibres such as nylon and rayon (World Coal Institute, 2008). Many of
these downstream products can be used in Mozambique, some requiring further steps of
value addition. The coking plant(s) will add to the business case in lowering to load downline
to the ports whilst supplying essential ingredients to downstream industry and through
fertilisers to the agricultural industry.
10.2.5. Project linkages
This project is derived from the coal mines and may link to the iron and steel making project
through the provision of coke or coke fines to the project. It links to the fertiliser project
126
through the provision of ammonia for nitrogenous fertilisers. A further back link to coal
mining will relate to the provision of the energy requirements.
10.2.6. Interventions required
Establish the amount of coking coal that has been “pre-sold” via take off agreements.
Encourage government to cap the amount of coking coal that can be exported rather than
processed coke. Establish coking properties of Tete coal and whether it would be preferable
to blend to produce the best by-product stream. Assist follow-on manufacturing opportunities
downstream of the by-product plant.
10.2.7. Project sponsor or principal
One of the major coal producers or steel producer would likely be the best principal.
10.3. Coal fed power plant
10.3.1. Location
10.3.2. Status
Both Vale and Riversdale are looking at the possibility of coal fired power plants largely to
convert lower grade thermal coal to easily transportable electrical energy.
10.3.3. Short project description
The Mozambican deposits are well inland and any thought of export must be considered
against transport costs. It only makes good economic sense to export the most expensive
(coking coal) grades.
Lower quality (steam) coal should be used as close as possible to the mine to avoid
transportation costs. Ideally the washed coal should be delivered directly from the mine on a
conveyor to a coal fired power plant. At the plant it will be milled and blown into the boilers
combustion chamber. The steam produced drives a turbine to produce electricity.
It is important that the power plants are set up and optimised to deal with the specific grades
of coal produced. This varies from mine to mine and will also be directly influenced by the
cut-off and average grade of the mine as well as the washing, and the specific grades
intended for burning at the plant.
Modern coal-fired power plants are considerably more efficient than those built in the past,
with each 1% of efficiency improvement being associated with a 2-3% decrease in emissions
such as CO2, NOx, SOx and particulates (World Coal Association, 2011). Highly efficient
plants would therefore have a much lower requirement for CCS and thus considerably
reducing associated costs (See Figure 54).
10.3.4. Its contribution to the business case
The main contribution of coal fired power plants to the business case would be that there
would be no shortage of electrical energy in the Tete region, poising it for rapid growth as a
manufacturing hub of Mozambique. In the long term this will allow for sustainable economic
development based on the regions mineral wealth. Where there are power stations ash will
be produced. The inorganic content (mainly clay minerals, feldspar, quartz) of coal is fused
in the coal burning process. The resulting material is collected in various filters within the
plant and may be dumped where it becomes a major environmental hazard or used
effectively in one of several downstream routes.
127
Figure 54: Plant efficiency versus CO2 output
Depending on the plant design and input materials there will be about 80 % fly ash and 20 %
bottom ash. These ash products can be used in the production of certain cement based
productsand in the production of fertilisers. Fly ash has pozzolanic properties and can
replace as much as 50% of cement in some applications such as cement bricks, pavers and
tiles. They can also be made directly into fly-ash bricks, entirely replacing the use of clay. It
is important to note that the nature of the fly ash reflects the nature of the coal being burnt
and the plant design and therefore the use of the material will be largely dependent on the
plant that produces it. Fly ash can be used as a soil modifier and enhance its moisture
retaining capacity and fertility. In can be used in fertilizers to provide trace elements and to
assist in correcting pH balance. In India, fly ash is used as a road building material (ENVIS,
2007). It is important to note that the complete utilisation of fly ash will improve the carbon
credit rating of the power stations.
Note that in some coal ash a relatively high percentage of alumina may be present and this
ash can be treated to produce alumina (NEUI, 2011).
10.3.5. Project linkages
Broad. Linking to all projects requiring energy as well as directly to the fertiliser and
construction industry through large tonnages of fly-ash becoming available.
10.3.6. Interventions required
Encouragement of energy hungry projects like a steel mill and/or nepheline syenite plant by
allowing for incentives for good value adding projects that can contract in the long term
power offtake agreements.
10.3.7. Project sponsor or principal
Vale
Av. Graça Aranha, 26 - 12th floor
Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil
20.030-900
128
Tel: +55 21 3814 4477
Fax: +55 21 3814 4040
Ave Graça Aranha 26
Rio de Janeiro
Brazilrio@vale.com
Head of Vale: Mozambique:
Galib Chaim
galib.chaim@vale.co.mz
Riversdale
Riversdale Mining Ltd
AUSTRALIA - CORPORATE OFFICE
Level 1, 50 Margaret Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Postal Address: Po Box 5371, Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: +61 2 8299 7900
Facsimile: +61 2 8299 7999
SOUTH AFRICA
140/142 Western Service Rd
Woodmead Business Park
Cypress Place North
Woodmead, South Africa, 2191
Postnet Suite 538
Private Bag x29 Gallo Manor 2052
Telephone: +27 11 802 1677
Facsimile: +27 11 802 6855
10.4. Zambeze coal mine
10.4.1. Location
Adjacent to the Benga Coal mine.
10.4.2. Status
Riversdale had a 40% life of mine (LOM) offtake agreement pending with WISCO in 2010
(Mallyon, 2010). The feasibility study is expected to be completed in 2012 (MacDonald,
2011).
10.4.3. Short project description
Zambeze coal project is one of the major coal mining opportunities in Mozambique with a
JORC compliant resource of 9,045 Mt (see Table 9). Once fully operational (2020) it expects
to produce 15 Mt of coal per year (see Table 10). Mallyon (2010) has estimated that the
seaborne coal exports from Mozambique could get to 55 Mt by 2025 (see Figure 13).
Riversdale is investigating the possibility of the production of 90 Mtpa ROM from the
Zambeze project in the long term (Mallyon, 2010).
10.4.4. Its contribution to the business case
Current rail and port facilities cannot contend with the expected volumes and tonnages
within the next few years and even less so in the medium term. The answer to the
logistical/economic problem is not simple and requires an in-depth look at all of the
possibilities of local use export and interproject linkages.
129
10.4.5. Project linkages
This project links directly with the rail transport and port facilities available to, and in Beira
and Nacala, as well as requiring further investigation of river transport. Important linkages
are with the Tete Magnetite project, where coal (and possibly pulverized coal for the
pulverized coal injection (PCI) technology) could be used to produce iron and steel. It also links
directly to coal fired power stations, to local coke production and to the nepheline syenite project.
All of these projects will allow considerable local value addition whilst allowing a degree of import
substitution and significantly increasing possible export earning, at the same time as lowering the
pressure on the rail system.
10.4.6. Interventions required
Two lines of intervention are required. Firstly downstream value addition, which will lower
overall export tonnages, must be encouraged and incentives put in place. This will boost
manufacturing within Tete and will lead to long term economic sustainability. At the same
time careful planning is required as to actual expected transport load to the coast after local
take off and value addition. Adequate rail facilities must be put in place – in time to meet the
export demand.
10.4.7. Project sponsor or principal
Riversdale Mining Ltd
AUSTRALIA - CORPORATE OFFICE
Level 1, 50 Margaret Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Postal Address: Po Box 5371, Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: +61 2 8299 7900
Facsimile: +61 2 8299 7999
SOUTH AFRICA
140/142 Western Service Rd
Woodmead Business Park
Cypress Place North
Woodmead, South Africa, 2191
Postnet Suite 538
Private Bag x29 Gallo Manor 2052
Telephone: +27 11 802 1677
Facsimile: +27 11 802 6855
10.5. Tete magnetite – ilmenite - phosphate mine
10.5.1. Location
In a series of related deposits in the the Massamba and Singore areas north of Tete and of
the Moatize mine (see Figure 28: Baobab holdings on the Tete Complex).
10.5.2. Status
The projects are still in the exploration stage. It is clearly too early for any definitive
conclusions about the mineability of these deposits, however all information available at the
moment looks positive and believable. It is likely that the deposits will be shown to be
mineable, and a greater area of risk would relate to the economic separation of the valuable
materials from the ore. A scoping study commissioned by Baobab showed positive results
and even in the short period since the scoping was done there have been significant (positive)
market changes. The price of iron ore at the end of February 2011 stood at $1.8718/dmtu (see
Figure 29: Price of iron ore), more than double the price used in the scoping study. This will
have a significant positive effect on the project. Furthermore ilmenite price forecasts are at $100
plus for the foreseeable future compared to the $80/t used in the study.
130
10.5.3. Short project description
The Chitongue Grande prospect, (just one of the inter-related projects in the area) has an
inferred resource of 47.7 Mt with a head grade of 25.3% Fe, 0.18% V2O5 and 9.69% TiO2
with a possible resource of 400-750 Mt to 250m depth. However, internal partings of nonmineralised waste material may not be preferentially mineable and would dilute the
recovered grade. An estimate of the average concentrate grade is 63.7% Fe, .068% V2O5,
4.86% TiO2, 1.3% SiO2, 2.75% Al2O3, 0.001% P and 0.37% S. It is considered that significant
improvement of the mass recovery could be achieved by blending Chitongue Grande feed
with other, high recovery feed stocks (Baobab, 2010). A mass recovery study showed that
the ilmenite concentrate might then be further processed to produce a saleable concentrate.
The report showed that based on a 300 Mt resource and 10 Mtpa mill throughput (see Table
16: Scenario parameters for scoping – Tete Iron ore project) the Tete project is likely to be
economically viable if a magnetite mass recovery of 30% and a 15% credit for the V2O5
component of the ferro-vanadium concentrate could be achieved (Baobab, 2010).
10.5.4. Its contribution to the business case
At first look a mine producing 3 Mtpa Magnetite concentrate and 1.2 Mtpa ilmenite
concentrate in the Tete area could be seen as a negative when considering the already
severe shortage of transport to the coast. However, if seen in a different light – that of local
steel and ilmenite slag production then the entire aspect of the opportunity changes. We
then have a project that will be making use of possibly oversupplied electricity and coal to
produce local iron and steel products. Thus using up resources requiring take-off whilst
lessening the overall load on the rail and providing much needed structural steel products in
the Tete region. Although the benefits will happen downstream of the mine they will require
the mine to supply the raw materials.
10.5.5. Project linkages
Direct project linkages from the mine would be to iron and steel manufacturing as well as
titanium slag manufacturing plants, to the coal fired power station in using electricity in the
mining operation and to the Tete area in general in provision of jobs and diversified mining
opportunities.
10.5.6. Interventions required
Besides the normal issues of ensuring that the mine has the best bet of starting through
good policy and low taxation, the best action that can be taken for the industrial development
of the region and for longer term sustainability will be to encourage local iron and
steelmaking ensuring integrated processes with the other developments in the regions. To
do this most effectively an in-depth study of the interactions and synergies is called for.
10.5.7. Project sponsor or principal
Baobab Resources plc
Ben James: Managing Director
www.baobabresources.com
Unit 25
South Terrace Piazza Fremantle Western
Australia 6160
Tel: (+61) 8 9430 7151
Cel: (+61) 419 966 182 Australia/roaming
Cel: (+258) 824 237 359 Mozambique
10.6. Iron and steel production
10.6.1. Location
Probably best located about 30 km north of Tete near the mining project dealt with in 10.5
above.
131
10.6.2. Status
The project is conceptual. The project is dependent most of all on the successful
development of the mining opportunity at the Tete magnetite project, as well as on the
feasibility of the local downstream value addition to the ore.
10.6.3. Short project description
The current rail system will not be able to manage any further outgoing material unless it is
considered to be of high value. There is a need to find alternative uses for the coal and
energy being produced so that value and jobs can be added to the economy and stress
taken off the rail. It would therefore be ideal to treat all of the iron ore locally to produce steel.
If the ilmenite concentrate is suitable it would also be ideal to smelt it locally.
Dependent on analysis of the ore, the Mont Muande and Massamba- Singore ores could be
calcined and reduced on a fluidised bed on site, using coal from a local mine. The calcined
magnetite will then be smelted. Options would be using a DC arc furnace using electricity
produced from a local power plant or to use a blast furnace – possibly using the cheaper
pulverized coal injection (PCI) technology (if PCI were to be produced locally) to produce pig
iron. Using PCI would allow highly priced coking coal to still be available for the local
production of coke for export, whilst the lower quality material that cannot withstand the
transport costs could be used in the steel making process.
High purity pig iron smelted from ilmenite produced locally from the Massamba- Singore
project, or if unsuitable transported from a coastal ilmenite smelting facility may then be
mixed with the pig iron, blown with oxygen to oxidize excess carbon and converted to mild
steel. Most of the product will be then cast to produce mild steel products. Once the Mont
Muande and Massamba- Singore projects are mining and producing pig iron, the Nacala line
will be complete and the Tanzanian and Burundian laterites should be in production.
Ferrochrome from South Africa and laterite from Tanzania or Burundi can then be imported
and the balance of the steel can be mixed with this imported ferrochrome and ferronickel,
decarburised and continuously cast to produce austenitic stainless steel products.
10.6.4. Its contribution to the business case
The impact of the successful construction and operation of a plant to treat Mont Muande and
Massimba-Singore ores would be significant. It would provide a variety of iron and steel
products in the heart of the Tete district, which will soon be experiencing an unprecedented
growth, and which will require a considerable amount of steel products.
10.6.5. Project linkages
A local supply of well priced steel products will stimulate significant industrial growth
possibilities, especially since there should be no shortage of power in the region. The project
will make use of oversupplied electrical power and if using PCI, lower value coal products,
whilst producing a valuable structural material in the heart of the Tete region. The major
waste products will all find use as ballast, cement additives and as fertiliser additives thus
tying in well with other developing industry in the area. Local fluorspar could be used as a
flux.
10.6.6. Interventions required
The impact of a project like this in Tete could be significant and government should look
carefully at a possible incentive package to advance such a project. A condition of the
incentives should be that iron and steel is sold locally at export parity prices or better. Due to
the particular advantage that a PCI system may have for the region, this should be fully
investigated and if it is found that it is so that the advantage is particularly high, especially
with regard to the best use of transport opportunities then it may be wise to have additional
incentives for this type of operation. It is important to follow through with these ideas now,
before the development of the mining opportunity much further and to speak to Baobab
132
Resources plc, which is busy with the exploration. The reason for an early presence of
strategists in this area, is that once the mine comes closer to development the developing
company will be looking for take-off – possibly sterilising ore for local use.
10.6.7. Project sponsor or principal
Any major iron and steel producer; there are already several which have a direct interest in
the coal mines in Mozambique.
10.7. Ncondezi coal mine
10.7.1. Location
The Ncondezi Group’s licences are located in the Zambezi Basin to the northeast of the
town of Tete. in the Tete Province
10.7.2. Status
Ncondezi is at an earlier stage than the other two coal projects in this listing. It is currently
busy with a feasibility study and plans to start producing coal in 2015.
10.7.3. Short project description
Ncondezi coal project is at this stage a thermal coal opportunity in Mozambique with a JORC
compliant resource of 1,809 Mt (see Table 9). Once fully operational (2020) it expects to
produce 10 Mt of coal per year (see Table 10). Mallyon (2010) has estimated that the
seaborne coal exports from Mozambique could rise to 55 Mt by 2025 (See Figure 13).
10.7.4. Its contribution to the business case
Current rail and port facilities cannot contend with the expected volumes and tonnages
within the next few years and even less so in the medium term. The answer to the
logistical/economic problem is not simple and requires an in-depth look at all of the
possibilities of local use export and interproject linkages
10.7.5. Project linkages
This project links directly with the rail transport and port facilities available to, and in Beira
and Nacala, as well as requiring further investigation of river transport. Important linkages
are with the Tete Magnetite project where coal (and possibly pulverized coal for the pulverized
coal injection (PCI) technology) could be used to produce iron and steel. It also links directly to
coal fired power stations, and to the nepheline syenite project. All of these projects will allow
considerable local value addition whilst allowing a degree of import substitution and significantly
increasing possible export earning, at the same time as lowering the pressure on the rail system.
10.7.6. Interventions required
Two lines of intervention are required. Firstly downstream value addition, which will lower
overall export tonnages, must be encouraged and incentives put in place. This will boost
manufacturing within Tete and will lead to long term economic sustainability. At the same
time careful planning is required as to actual expected transport load to the coast after local
take off and value addition. Adequate rail facilities must be put in place – in time to meet the
export demand.
10.7.7. Project sponsor or principal
Ncondezi Coal Company
info@ncondezicoal.com
Ncondezi Servces (UK) Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 207 183 5402
Fax: +44 (0) 207 183 5411
133
10.8. Fertiliser production
10.8.1. Location
The project is conceptual. Economics and government policy will inform its placement but it
is likely to be based in the Tete region.
10.8.2. Status
Global demand in phosphate is expected to grow by 2-3% pa in line with growth in the
fertilizer industry. There is no substitute for phosphate and as long as populations grow so
will the phosphate industry in order that that those populations can be fed. There is an
increasing trend towards conversion of phosphate rock into phosphoric acid before export
10.8.3. Short project description
Due to the common accessory minerals found in phosphate deposits (quartz, clay, feldspar,
mica and carbonates), a good deal of beneficiation is usually required. Beneficiation takes
place by crushing, sizing and flotation. The product of this process is then usually dissolved
in sulphuric acid in order to produce superphosphate (16-21% P2O5), triple superphosphate,
phosphoric acid and superphosphoric acid (67-76% P2O5).
If coke ovens are set up then ammonia or ammonium sulphate (23% N) can be expected as
an important by-product (about 4.4 ktpa per million tonnes of coke produced). Ammonia can
be reacted at a fertiliser plant to produce ammonium nitrate, or the ammonium sulphate can
be used as a fertiliser with the fertiliser plant acting as a blending house to provide complete
fertilisers. Ammonium sulphate is ideal for crops on alkaline soils.
Potassium sulphate (48% P) will be a major by-product of the nepheline syenite plant, and
could be utilised in a fertiliser factory by blending with other materials to produce balanced
fertilisers.
Basic slag is a by-product of steelmaking (Bessemer process). Limestone is used to absorb
phosphates from the steel and the resultant slag makes an ideal slow release phosphate
fertiliser especially for acid soils where the lime is also required. In the case of Mont Muande
the phosphate content of the slag would be expected to be high.
Where there are power stations fly ash will be produced which can be used in the production
of fertilisers. Fly ash can be used as a soil modifier and enhance its moisture retaining
capacity and fertility. It can be used in fertilizers to provide trace elements and to assist in
correcting pH balance.
It is clear from the notes above that although some of the potential by-products can in
themselves be used as fertilisers, the value of blending and pH balancing of an integrated
fertiliser plant will be essential in the provision of balanced fertilisers to the farming
community.
10.8.3.1. Market
Due to burgeoning populations available agricultural land throughout the world is taking
strain, for food production and more recently energy crops. Fertilisers are seen as the most
important route to allow for higher production rates on the land and as a result prices are
strong and will remain so. Whilst not as high as at the peak in 2008, potash prices are
currently at $530 per tonne on the spot market, whilst DAP prices are in the order of $612
per tonne (Toovey, 2011). Within the fertiliser industry it is acknowledged that the quality of
remaining phosphate rock is decreasing and production costs are increasing (Cordell et al.,
2009), and for this reason it is important for the local assurance of food security that deposits
within the region are developed.
134
10.8.4. Its contribution to the business case
Most of the inputs required for a fertiliser plant occur in the Tete area and it would make an
ideal hub in which to produce and from which to distribute the fertiliser. The factory would be
able to make use both of products from mines as well as by-products and waste to produce
balanced fertilisers which will allow the agricultural industry in Mozambique access to locally
produced fertilisers structured for their particular needs.
10.8.5. Project linkages
Production of fertilisers present many opportunities. In the case of the downstream
production of fertiliser from phosphates the chief advantages are local supply and import
substitution. Nitrogenous fertilizers can be produced as a by product of coke production and
potassium fertilisers from by-products of the nepheline syenite clinker and alumina plant.
This opens up a variety of other opportunities in the production of complete fertilisers since
crushed rock from waste of some dimension stone mines (gabbro, basalt) as well as fly ash
from the coal fired power stations could be added to achieve the correct balance of some of
the more important trace elements.
The cleaning of coke oven gas from blast furnaces also produces ammonium sulphate - a
valuable input to the fertiliser industry and lime from steelmaking slags could be used (still
technically challenging) as a liming input into the industry.
The main input is sulphuric acid, which could be produced on site from pyrite. There are
currently no known pyrite deposits in the area although pyrite can probably be produced
from several mines such as the vein gold mines in the Manica area. Also there are some
sizeable pyrite deposits in Malawi: Chisepo and Malingunde. This material could be mined
for transport to Tete to a sulphuric acid plant. Gypsum will be produced as a by-product of
phosphoric acid manufacture and can be used for agricultural purposes as well as for
cement (as a retarder), plaster and ceiling board manufacture, linking into the building
industry.
10.8.6. Interventions required
These may depend on which projects are followed through. Both Mont Muande (> 200Mt
ore) and Evate (>155Mt) phosphate deposits are significant and could provide many years of
inputs for a plant. Dorowa mine in Zimbabwe (see section 6.21.5.6) which currently supplies
Zimphos produces an annual average of about 1.1Mt of ore yielding 132 kt of concentrate at
35.2% P205 (Fernandes 1995, in Van Straaten, 2002). Since a phosphate fertiliser producer
will require a source of pyrite for sulphuric acid, a good mineable source that could supply to
a suitable location for a factory should be found (note that dependent on the chemistry
and processes used a coke oven by-product plant may be able to supply some or all
of the required sulphur or sulphuric acid).
If coke ovens are set up there should be no further intervention required with regard to
provision of ammonia or ammonium sulphate, except to ensure that the environmental law is
strict on prevention of NOx and SO2 emissions so that all of the ammonia vapours are
condensed rather than incinerated.
10.8.7. Project sponsor or principal
It is suggested that a company already working in this field in Africa is approached to bid for
the project. A suggestion could be Foskor or Zimphos
Foskor:
Foskor Richards Bay:
Tel : +27 35 902 3111
Physical Address 21 John Ross Parkway, Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, 3900
Postal Address P.O Box 208, Richards Bay, 3900
Corporate Head Office Tel: +27 11 347 0600
135
Physical Address Block G, Riverview Office Park, Janadel Road, Midrand
Postal Address P.O. Box 2494, Halfway House, 1685
Zimphos (Chemplex):
Factory: P.O.Box AY 120 AMBY, Harare, Zimbabwe
Telephone: +263 4 487803/6
Fax: +263 4 487934
E-mail: sales@zimphos.co.zw
Since Vale may already have an interest as noted in the 6 April 2011 news article by
Macuahub (2011g), it can also be considered as a prospective sponsor.
Vale
Galib Chaim
galib.chaim@vale.co.mz
10.9. Mont Muambe fluorspar and plant
10.9.1. Location
Mont Muambe hill to the southeast of Moatize. (-16.3167o:34.0833o)
10.9.2. Status
Globe Metals and Mining have completed first phase drilling on the Mont Muambe deposit
targeting areas of known fluorite mineralization. Multiple zones of high-grade fluorite
mineralization, with significant REO grades have been delineated.
10.9.3. Short project description
A brief discussion of the fluorspar is to be found in section 6.9.
The Muambe Fluorspar project is at this stage the best fluorspar opportunity in Mozambique.
Early investigations estimated an indicated resource of 400 kt at 70% CaF2 and an inferred
resource of 600 kt to a depth of 110 m. The currently estimated resource is 1.5 Mt to a
depth of 200 m. Recent work by Globe Metals and Mining has shown that there is a
considerable amount of associated rare earths with the Mt Muambe deposit which will act as
a sweetener to market.
10.9.4. Its contribution to the business case
Fluorspar is marketed in one of three grades, acid grade, (> 97% CaF2), ceramic grade,
(85% to 95% CaF2) and metallurgical grade, (60% to 85% CaF2). The aim of the Muambe
deposit will be to produce acid grade filtercake which sells at around $250-300/t (FOB)
Durban. Assuming a 15 year mine life and a production of 90 kt of product per annum this
equates to about $22-27 M per annum income or about $330-405 M over the mine life. As a
medium to small mine its production will equate to about 1% of global production and as
such will have little effect on the market. To put this in context the Storuman project in
Sweden intends to mine a fluorite deposit with an expected production of 103 ktpa over a
period of 18 years to produce an estimated $616 M over the life of mine (Storuman, 2011).
10.9.5. Project linkages
An alternative scenario will use the fluorspar as a flux for the Tete steel industry.
10.9.6. Interventions required
There is no infrastructure at site. The nearest link to the Sena railway is 36 km away and the
Zambezi River is 24 km distant. The nearest substation that can provide sufficient energy to
the mine-site is 42 km away. This project has for many years been considered one that can
be economically mined but the infrastructure has always been a millstone dragging it down.
136
Projects of this size and market risk profile cannot withstand the costs of infrastructure
development and there should be a concerted effort to supply the required infrastructure in
close consultation with the developers.
10.9.7. Project sponsor or principal
Globe Metals and Mining
PO Box 1811
West Perth WA 6872
Ground Floor,
Suite 3, 16 Ord St
West Perth WA 6005
Australia
Telephone: +61 8 9486 1779
Facsimile: +61 8 9486 1718
email: info@globemetalsandmining.com.au
137
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138
11. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
The 575 km Sena line that connects Moatize to Beira was being refurbished by a Rites-led
consortium to carry around 6 Mtpa with a due date at the end of 2009 (Railway Gazette
2009). The first train to run on the new line reached Moatize on 30th January 2010 (Railway
Gazette, 2010a).
Railway Gazette (2010b) reports that CVRD purchased a 51% stake in Sociedade de
Desenvolvimento do Corredor do Norte, which in turn has a 51% stake in Corredor de
Desenvolvimentodo Norte (CDN) and Central East African Railways (CEAR). CDN holds the
operating concession for the 872 km line from Nacala to Entre Lagos on the Malawian
border, while CEAR holds the concession to operate the 797 km network in Malawi. CVRD
will probably use the Nacala line to carry the output of the second phase of the Moatize coal
project. First phase production will move south over the Sena railway to the port of Beira, but
in the second phase a link will be built from Moatize to Malawi, joining up with the existing
line to Nacala.
During the week of 14th to 18th February 2011, an inspection was carried out of both Beira
and Nacala ports, including the road and rail access infrastructure, and the transport sector
review has been updated and expanded to present the current situation as of February
2011.
The freight throughput in both ports has expanded considerably in the past few years, with
total volumes handled by Beira and Nacala during 2010 being 2.4 Mtpa and 1.06 Mtpa
respectively, including container throughput at 105 000 and 71 112 TEUs pa respectively –
high enough to attract direct vessel calls. If the coal development programme proceeds as
planned, both ports will see the throughput increase to more than 10 Mtpa within 3 to 5
years, dominated by coal exports, but also substantial increases in the importation of mining
equipment and consumables.
Coal exports from Moatize are expected to commence later in 2011, when the dredging of
the access channel and the existing terminal upgrade is expected to be completed. Clearly
the future development of the transport infrastructure serving the whole country will be
dominated by the demand of the coal sector, which will also act as an incentive to promote
the development of the mining sector as a whole.
11.1. Background
The Zambezi valley is served by two regional road, rail and port transport corridors:
The Beira Corridor to the south, serving central Mozambique, and providing the main
route for international trade for Malawi and Zimbabwe, and also including the port and
rail infrastructure to serve the initial phase of the Moatize coal fields development.
The Nacala Corridor to the north serving northern Mozambique and Malawi (accounting
for 20% of the Nacala port traffic). A new coal terminal and rail link to serve Moatize is
also being planned, but not yet being implemented.
The transport systems on both corridors were severely disrupted during the Mozambican
civil war between 1975 and 1995, and 15 years later in 2010, remain partially dysfunctional.
The possible development of the Moatize coalfields has motivated the reconstruction of the
Sena railway to the port of Beira, but the transport logistics system for coal exports along
either corridor has not yet been finalised although implementation has commenced on the
Beira Corridor. The rail link to Malawi remains inoperable and most of the Zambezi valley
suffers from a lack of all-weather transport infrastructure. However, the committed
development of the Moatize coal export projects, likely to generate 25 Mtpa to 50 Mtpa of
139
exports and substantial imports of equipment, consumables and fuel, utilising both transport
corridors, will bring about major improvements in all modes of transport serving the Zambezi
valley – road, rail, port and air.
The ‘design’ depth at Beira is 12 m, with the channel at 8 m below chart datum (CD), plus
about 5 `m at high tide. The existing coal terminal at quay No 8, once reconstructed, will be
limited to vessels sizes of about 45 000 DWT – the planned new terminal (Figure 55, Figure
56) is unlikely to be able to handle larger vessels. The depth at the quayside at Nacala
container terminal is 14 m below CD, and 10 m at the general cargo quays, with no
restriction of the marine access (more than 25 m in the bay, and the tide at Nacala is about
4 m).
Figure 55: Beira Port – Position of Planned New Coal Terminal
The approximate port dimensional requirements for various vessel types are shown in Table
35.
140
Table 35: Approximate port dimensional requirements for various vessel types
Type
DWT range
Length
(m)
Beam (m)
Draft (m)
Handysize - old
10 000 – 34 000
160 - 200
20.0 – 27.0
Up to 11.0
500 –2 000
Handymax - new
20 000 – 50 000
200 - 230
Up to 32.2
Up to 12.5
1 500 – 4 000
Panamax
50 000 – 65 000
230 - 260
32.2
Up to 14.0
5 000
Post Panamax
65 000 - 85 000
Up to 366
48.8
Up to 15.2
6 000
Suez Max
140 000
> 300
46.0
Up to 16.0
Future 22m
10 000- 14 000
Capesize
Up to 300 000+
>300
>32.2 up to 50
More than 16 – 18.5
depending on hull
shape
Equivalent TEU
size
10 000 - +20 000
Figure 56: Beira Port Showing Position of Planned 50ha Coal Terminal
11.2. Current Status
The Zambezi Valley falls within the natural catchment area for the port of Beira, which has
distance advantage over the port of Nacala of 300 – 400 km, which translates into significant
cost advantages of about $10-15/t for most goods. For many years Beira has had the major
disadvantage of the lack of maintenance dredging and the depth of the 40 km long access
channel, whereas Nacala has no access depth restrictions, but is a smaller port with fewer
quays and vessel calls, and poor road and rail connections to the Zambezi Valley. However,
Nacala is better suited than Beira for the development of a new dedicated high volume
mineral export terminal to accommodate vessels larger than 45 000 DWT (Handymax). The
current status of transport infrastructure development is described below.
11.2.1. Beira – Zambezi Corridor
During the past 10 years, Beira port has suffered from the lack of maintenance dredging,
which has gradually decreased the vessel size which can be accommodated in the port to
141
about 15 000 DWT (fully laden). A capital dredging contract has now been commenced to
return the access channel and the turning basin to the design depth of 8 m below CD,
allowing access for vessel with a draft of up to 13 m on the tide. This is expected to be
completed during 2011, and will significantly improve the regional competitiveness of Beira
port. The existing coal terminal, situated between general cargo quays 7 and 9, is in the
process of being rehabilitated to serve as the initial but temporary coal export terminal to
handle up to 6 Mtpa, until a new coal terminal is built. Beira port has an annual throughput of
about 3.5 Mtpa including fuel imports for Malawi and Zimbabwe. Beira port has an assessed
capacity of 5 Mtpa subject to completion of the channel dredging.
Table 36: Port of Beira, Mozambique – as at February 2011
Natural Catchment Area
Central Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi
Volume of freight – total, import,
export Mtpa
3 Mtpa, including fuel imports. Mostly imports.
No of berths, depths
12, including 1 oil terminals, new coal terminal being planned
Container Berths
4, 9.0m to 11.0m, operated by Cornelder
Container Equipment , Capacity
2 x40 t gantry cranes, 105 000 TEUs pa, 2 new gantry cranes on order
Container Volumes - total, import and
export - TEUs
105 000 TEUs pa (2010).
Bulk berths & equipment
5 general cargo quays, cranes 5-20t, vacuvators, bagging, forklifts 3t &5t.
Reach stackers. Existing cowl terminal and stock yard being upgraded
Marine Access
Via 40 km channel, 3,5m deep plus 5m tide, 60m wide – being dredged to -8m
CD
Road Access
Good from Zimbabwe and Malawi
Rail Access
Poor via CCFB from Zimbabwe, equipment and track capacity problems. Sena
line open but not yet operational, and no link to Malawi
Current Operational Status
Fully operational, general cargo and container terminals privatized to Cornelder,
signs of congestion
Specific Problems / Issues
Main problem is silting due to lack of maintenance dredging, limited vessel size
to about 15 000 DWT, depth 8 m on tide. After dredging,45 000 DWT
Planned Developments
Dredging commenced, new major coal export terminal planned, +8 Mtpa
Intervention / Assistance Required
Commitment needed to build new coal terminal. Performance of CCFB needs to
be improved Potential for prime NS and SADC port, shortest road distance to
copper belt
The main road routes within the Beira corridor are to Zimbabwe via Machipanda and to
Malawi via Tete. The main road to Machipanda was rebuilt 10 to 15 years ago, but has now
deteriorated. Both routes remain in general good condition, but rapidly deteriorating with
some poor sections, mainly on the Pungue Flats near Beira, which are subject to occasional
flooding and south of Changara on the Malawi route. The road trucks are limited to 48 t
GVM, almost all single trailer, 6 axle artics (single trailer articulated trucks), operated by
companies in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Access from Beira to the lower Zambezi
is via the north-south N1 highway, crossing the Zambezi River at Caia, where a new toll
bridge has recently been completed. Access to the Tete region and Malawi is via the existing
Tete bridge, which is subject to load restrictions and is presently being repaired.
The Sena railway (Figure 58), concessioned to Rites / Ircon, operating as CCFB, was
reopened during 2010, but requires further work during 2011 to handle of the order of 7 Mtpa
to 8 Mtpa of coal exports from Moatize. CFM has estimated that an additional $25 M needs
to be spent on the Sena line. The rail concessionaire has been given notice to rectify
outstanding contractual issues by the end of March 2011, but it seems likely that the
operations will revert to CFM during 2011. The 88 km rail spur to Sena Sugar at Marromeu
142
was re-opened in 2009, but is not carrying any freight because of a dispute with CCFB on
the tariffs. The CCFB rail tariffs on the Machipanda line are generally of the order of $0.10
per tkm, more than twice as much as the regional benchmark. The strategic link to the
Malawi rail system through Vila Frontiera remains closed. The line is essentially intact, with
30 kg/m rail on steel sleepers, but with a section of 300 m of embankment washed away
near Bangula. There no rail connection to the coalfields south of the Zambezi in the Tete
region, and this will be a development constraint.
Figure 57: Zambezi Valley Transport System – Main Features
Zambia Rail System
concessioned to NLPI,
operating as RSZ, total
freight 2009, 0,8mtpa
Lusaka
Kapiri
Mposhi
TAZARA
CORRIDOR
Malawi
MCHINJI
Lilongwe
Zambia
ENTRE LAGOS
T4
NACALA
CORRIDOR
M1
New road
bridge at
Chirundu
Zambezi
ZOBUE
MWANZA
River
Blantyre
M6
CHIRUNDU
Livingstone
A1
Chinhoyi
NORTH
SOUTH
CORRIDOR
Moatize Coal
NYAMAPANDA
CUCHAMANO
Tete
103
Sena
A2
102
Harare
Mozambique
Beira Corridor
Border Posts
Beit Bridge
To South Africa
Port of Beira approx 2,5
mtpa, capacity 5mtpa, requires
urgent dredging
BEIRA CORRIDOR
Major Centres
Roads
EN6
Zimbabwe
Railway
New road bridge
at Caia
Marromeu
Sugar
FORBES /
MACHIPANDA
A1
Junctions & nodal
points
EN1
Chimoio
A3
Bulawayo
VILA NOVA
Malawi rail systemn
concessioned to CEAR,
Mozambique rail system
and port concessioned to
CDN – international
railway traffic less than
300 000 tpa
Container and general Cargo quays
concessioned to Cornelder – CFM C
Railway system between Beira
Zimbabwe and to Malawi and Moatize
concessioned to Rites/IRCON – railway
to Sena, Marromeu, Malawi and
Moatize / Tete, being reconstructed,
completion 2010
LIMPOPO
CORRIDOR
Several coal mining companies have investigated the possibility of using a barging system
on the Zambezi River for coal exports of up to 10 Mtpa, requiring dredging of the river in
some sections, but it seems unlikely to be implemented because of high operational risks
during major floods, and because of likely environmental constraints. Both Vale and
Riversdale now appear to be committed to coal exports via the Sena line in the first instance,
and both have ordered / purchased mainline locomotives for this purpose. However, the
Malawi government has initiated a scheme to develop the port of Nsanje on the Shire River
to serve as the main container terminal for international trade, acting as a feeder port to
Beira. This is unlikely to be competitive with the direct rail route to Beira, which will be both
cheaper and faster. This could be the main reason for the reluctance to reopen the Malawi
section of the line.
143
Figure 58: Beira Corridor, Sena rail system
Table 37: CCFB Rail
Track Length
994 km – Beira Machipande 298 km, Dondo Moatize 540 km, Sena to Malawi
border 43 km, Marromeu spur 88km
Track Gauge
1067 mm
Axle Loads
20,5 t
Rail Section
45 kg/m
Sleepers
Concrete on Sena line, steel / concrete on Machipanda line
Mainline Locomotives
10 GM 2000 hp, new 3000hp for Sena line
Freight Wagons
1000 refurbished plus approx 300 salvaged – only 250 operational in 201
Freight Volume (t)
0,789 Mtpa – fallen to about 0,250 Mtpa in 2010
Freight Volume (tkm)
Approx. 65 Mtkm
Freight Density (tkm/km)
Approx. 0,2 Mtkm/km (on the operational lines)
Current Operational Status
Concession to CCFB
Beira to Machipanda, operational, but poor
Sena line rehabilitation open but not yet completed
Malawi link not yet completed
Specific Problems / Issues
As of August 2009, failure to agree on coal export tariffs with both CVRD and
Riversdale from Moatize, and also sugar exports. Malawi link not being developed
Planned Developments
Further upgrading of the Sena line, likely maximum capacity of about 8 Mtpa
Intervention / Assistance Required
Possible institutional intervention required to ensure reopening of link to Malawi
and improved operations to Zimbabwe
Including Sena line developments, but excluding planned coal exports
144
Both the Beira and the Nacala Corridor transport system are constrained in respect of the
maximum future volumes of coal export that can be accommodated – Beira in respect of
vessel size and Nacala in respect of the much longer land distance and consequent higher
operational costs. If the Moatize coal field is to be developed to export more than 50 Mtpa,
then the logical development will be to construct a new dedicated railway and specialised
terminal to handle Cape sized vessels, routed along the shortest distance to the coast along
the south bank of the Zambezi river, including a new bridge at Tete to link the north and
south sides of the coal fields. This is being studied at present as a possible medium solution,
which could also affect the future of the planned Nacala coal terminal.
11.3. Nacala Corridor
The existing port at Nacala is the key port serving northern Mozambique and some regions
of Malawi. The Nacala railway was built to serve northern Mozambique, and the link to
Malawi was constructed as recently as 1970. There is not yet a direct tarred road link to
Malawi. The existing port was developed in the 1950’s and is located in a deep bay that is
suitable and designated for the development of a major coal export terminal to handle Cape
sized vessels of +150 000 DWT. The short term development plan to 2020 can be seen in
Figure 60. The new terminal development is likely to be based on a private sector
investment by Vale, in conjunction with a major railway upgrade and extension to Moatize in
Mozambique (approx. 1000 km). The disadvantage of Nacala in respect of the Zambezi
valley is additional distance of about 400 km, which could add $8-$16 per tonne to the
transport costs, depending on the commodities and the volumes. The existing Nacala port
has an assessed capacity of about 2.5 Mtpa, well in excess of current throughput of 1.06
Mtpa, but the container terminal is congested and the port as a whole requires
modernisation. A port development master plan has been prepared by JICA.
Vale is reported to have contracted Zagope, an international construction company
specialising in major projects such as airports, dams, tunnels, ports, roads, subways,
railways and pipelines, to build a $1.6b coal terminal at the port of Nacala with a starting
date of July 2011 (Macuahub, 2011l). Zagope was founded in 1967 and is based in Porto
Salvo, Portugal. It is a subsidiary of Zagope SGPS which has a branch office in
Mozambique.
At the present time there is no direct surfaced road from Malawi to Nacala. In June 2009,
AfDB approved the Nacala Road Corridor Project, designed to support the Nacala to Lusaka
Corridor, SADC RTRN Route 20. The first phase includes paving the missing link of 510 km
between Nampula and the Malawi border and constructing a bypass road around Lilongwe.
Nacala is accessible from the N1 north south highway, which crosses the Zambezi via the
new toll road bridge at Caia.
145
Figure 59: Nacala Corridor Railway System – CEAR and CDN
New planned CVRD Coal
Terminal at Nacala, 12 to 18
mtpa, 400 000 t storage,
6000tph loading, 20 m
depth, max vessel 172 000
dwt .
CEAR section, about
150km, to be upgraded
to 40kg rail
Proposed new CVRD export
line to Nacala, approx
220km connection to CEAR
77 km section
very poor
condition.
Moatize
Southern Malawi rail
system Limbe to Sena
remains Inoperational
Moatize Coal Mine,
+30 mtpa exports,
via Beira and
Nacala
Nacala Corridor railway – approx
970km Moatize to Nacala, 40kg/m
track 18.5t axle loads, 74t wagons, 7
trains of 80 wagons per day. Note –
no alternative tarred road route
between Nacala and Malawi, but
being developed (2011)
Port of Beira, 2.5 mtpa, existing bulk coal terminal
max capacity 1.2 mtpa, being dredged to ‐12m by
end 2011 Note – It seems likely that CVRD will build
a new coal terminal at Beira instead of Nacala – Nov
2006
Sena Line ‐564 km Beira to
Moatize, 45kg/m rail, 20,5 t
axle loads, completed 2010,
operational 2011,
concessioned to Rites/Ircon,
operating as CCFB
CCFB
Port of Beira
Also showing the Sena / Beira Railway – all 1067 mm gauge
Figure 60: Nacala Short-term development plan - 2020
ar
s
rY
er
Co
nt
ai
ne
nd
Fe
By-pass Access Road
for Bulk Cargoes
St
ya ock
rd
Open Stoc
k yard
Access Road Widening
146
)
4m
(-1 rf
ha
0m
W
x4
0m iner
a
nt
Co
d
32
New Rail Track
for bulk cargoes
Table 38: Port of Nacala, Mozambique
Natural Catchment Area
Northern Mozambique (agriculture), Malawi, eastern Zambia, Zambezi
valley
Container Volumes - total of import and
export - TEUs
1.06 Mtpa (2010)
No of berths, depths
5: 7.0, 9.7 & 14m
Container Berths
1: 14m deep, 335m long, second berth planned
Container Equipment, Capacity
22 t mobile crane (& Ships gear), 40 000 TEUs pa
Container Volumes - total, Imp, Exp - TEUs
71,000 TEUs pa, mostly imports
Bulk berths & equipment
3 quay cranes, 5t to 20t, 4 FELS cranes
Marine Access
Excellent - +25m
Road Access
Good, but not to Malawi – being developed
Rail Access
Via CDN / CEAR, privatised, poor performance, recently purchased by
new investors (Insitec) – likely to be upgraded to handle coal exports
Current Operational Status
Privatised through CDN. Fully operational, container terminal congested,
feeder port for Maputo and Durban, also direct vessel calls.
Specific Problems / Issues
Container terminal congestion, occasional problems of empty storage.
Planned Developments
Additional container berth planned, privately funded, major coal export
terminal planned by VALE (remote from existing port) – up to 20mtpa
Intervention / Assistance Required
Lack of funding through Insitec, final go ahead needed on coal terminal,
likely private sector investment
Table 39: CEAR/CDN rail to Nacala
Track Length
919 km including link to Lichinga (agriculture)
Track Gauge
1067 mm
Axle Loads
20 t, some poor sections in Malawi
Rail Section
40 kg/m welded some 30 kg/m in Malawi
Sleepers
Concrete (French system with steel ties), steel and concrete in Malawi
Mainline Locomotives
6 (supplied by CDN, 2 leased from Sheltam), 12 x Bombardier /GE in
Malawi, only few operational
Freight Wagons
n/a
Freight Volume (t)
0,238 Mtpa (cross border)
Freight Volume (tkm)
Approximately 120 Mtkm
Freight Density (tkm/km)
0,2 Mtkm/km
Current Operational Status
Concession to CDN CEAR, recently taken over by Insitec from RDC,
operations not improved
Specific Problems / Issues
Low traffic volumes, not financially viable, poor 77 km section, poor link
to Lichinga (agricultural) – link to Beira not implemented
Planned Developments
Financing for 77 km possibly from Vale , Lichinga (handled by CFM),
coal exports from Moatize, up to 20 Mtpa, project announced to
proceed in Sept 2009
Intervention / Assistance Required
Difficulties with finalizing contracts and commitments for coal exports
147
The operation of the Nacala rail system, which has been concessioned to CEAR and CDN in
Malawi and Mozambique respectively, has been problematic for many years because of low
volumes (low income) and consequent unsustainable operations. The commercial
shareholding has been taken over by Mozambican interests and there are ongoing
negotiations for the entry of a new operators and investor, based on the future prospect for
coal exports from Moatize, which could render the railway service profitable. Coal export
volumes in excess of 12 Mtpa are anticipated. The Malawi system mainly serves the
agricultural export and import sector, and the railway has recently been extended to Chipata
in Zambia, also to serve the agricultural sector. The Mozambican section of the line was
rebuilt in the 1990’s, but a very poor section of 77 km remains up to the Malawi border. The
Malawian section has a varied specification, and generally requires upgrading in order to
increase reliability and competitiveness – it suffers from severe operational difficulties and
lack of funding.
11.3.1. Planned Regional Developments
The current and planned transport infrastructure projects within the Zambezi Valley:
Existing Beira Coal Terminal upgrade – construction commenced to be completed
during 2011 to handle up to 6 Mtpa through berth No 8 – temporary solution for next 4 to
5 years, unsuitable location between general cargo and grain terminals, likely
operational and environmental problems. Funded jointly by Vale and Riversdale Mining.
New Beira Coal Terminal – new export terminal for Moatize, to handle up to 12 Mtpa, to
be developed upstream of the existing port. Maximum vessel size about 50 000 DWT,
planned offshore transhipment to Cape sized vessels. To be developed by private sector
(49%) as a multi user facility.
Upgrading of the Sena line to a higher capacity, but unlikely to exceed 8 Mtpa without
new track on new alignment, possibly up to 12 Mtpa. The existing 3.5 km Dona Anna rail
bridge is likely to be a constraint. Current concession seems likely to be cancelled, with
operations returning to CFM
Development of a new dedicated heavy haul railway and new terminal to handle
30 Mtpa to 70 Mtpa of coal exports, located north of Beira, to accommodate Cape sized
vessels – capital investment $3 - 5 billion.
Road to Malawi – development of a shorter and more direct road route via the N1 and
Caia bridge to southern Malawi
New Zambezi River bridge at Tete – the existing bridge has load restrictions. A new
bridge could connect the southern and northern sides of coal fields, possibly in
conjunction with a new dedicated coal railway to a new marine terminal.
Rail to Malawi – the reopening of the Sena to Blantyre railway will provide the fastest
and cheapest route for international trade for southern Malawi.
Rail to Harare – the main line requires further upgrading within Mozambique –
realignment of sharp curves and steep gradients, to reduce track and equipment wear
and improve safety. Presently in poor condition.
Shire River transport – development of the port of Nsanje (already constructed) to serve
the lower Zambezi agricultural region. Will likely require operational subsidies.
Zambezi River transport – currently serving Sena sugar exports, until tariff agreement
can be reached on rail. Can be used for transport of heavy equipment – construction
and mining. Unlikely to be viable for large volumes of bulk, e.g., 10 Mtpa of coal.
Nacala port upgrade – upgrade of the existing port terminals is being planned, with an
additional container berth.
New coal terminal at Nacala – it seems likely that a major 20 Mtpa coal export terminal
will be built by the private sector, on the opposite side of the bay to the existing port, in
conjunction with the railway upgrade – implementation has not yet commenced.
New road link to Malawi – a direct surfaced road link between Nampula, Cuambo and
the Malawi border is being developed. About 20% of Nacala port throughput is transit
traffic to and from Malawi. Nacala handled 220 kt of Malawi international trade,
compared to 830 kt through Beira in 2010.
148
Railway upgrade – the existing railway system will be extended by about 200 km to
Nacala, and be upgraded to handle 12 Mtpa of coal exports in the first phase – later up
to 20 Mtpa - private sector investment. All agreements are not yet in place, However
Vale signed an agreement in April 2011 to use a portion of the Malawian rail system as
a part of the upgrade and construction of a 1.5 billion Euro, 900 km long coal line from
Moatize to Nacala, cutting through southern Malawi (Macuahub, 2011j).
Chipata Terminal – an inland cargo terminal is being planned for Chipata in Zambia,
providing a direct rail link to Nacala, mainly to serve the agricultural sector, and possibly
the mining sector.
11.4. Local locomotive manufacture
Radio Mozambique reported that the transport and communications minister Paulo Zucula
met with the Portuguese public works, transport and communications minister, António
Mendonça, with the aim of setting up partnerships between the two states, in particular to
locally manufacture railway trucks for the region (Macuahub, 2011d).
11.5. Possible barging of coal
Riversdale mining has been investigating the possibility of barging coal down the Zambezi
River and transferring it at sea to large cargo ships. Although this is unlikely to be
economically favourable, the restriction on the amount of coal that will be able to be carried
out on the Sena line is forcing companies to look at alternatives. Riversdale Mining has hired
two companies to carry out environmental impact studies on such a project (Macuahub,
2011e). A preliminary environmental report was reported in the press on the 10th May 2011,
(AllAfrica, 2011b). The report which looks at barging coal to Chinde, found that the most
serious possible environmental impacvt would be a fuel spill but that this could be
adequately mitigated against by using double sheathed pipes and valves that automatically
shut off if any fuel is lost. Dredging of the river will cause an impact of “modrate significance”
on the beaches of central Mozambique, which could become eroded (AllAfrica, 2011b).
Letlapa would warn that this significance of this impact could be serious in terms of the
tourism industry. The reader is referred to instances around Cape Town and especially Port
Elizabeth in South Africa where coastal roadbiuilding or dune stabilisation has caused
significant beach erosion by starving the beaches of the the natural flow of sand due to
lonshore drift.
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12. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
Mozambique has a low level of electrification. Recent increases in the world wide demand
for mineral resources and efforts by the government of Mozambique to attract investors to
consider its mineral resources is likely to provide the impetus to improving the overall level of
electrification in the near future. Due to the increasing demand for resources in the last 10
years, Electricidade de Mozambique (EDM) has been working on project preparations for
various corridors and interacting extensively with investors.
The recent economic downturn has led to a temporary slowdown of activity. Companies
interested in exploration are still busy in various parts of Mozambique. Hence, EDM has
continued to prepare projects for economic development of the country.
12.1. Electrical Network
The electrical network in Mozambique (Figure 61) is owned and operated by the state utility
Electricidade de Mozambique, EDM. The bulk of the generation is from Cahora Bassa
hydropower station in the northern region of the country.
12.1.1. Expansion in Inhambane
Provincial EDM director Eduardo Inhalo is reported to have indicated that work is underway
to extend the grid to the capitals of Panda, Mabote and Funhalouro districts based on
Cahora Bassa power. During 2010 four generators were installed in the Temane gas‐fired
power station to increase power output from 1.8 MW to 5 MW (Club of Mozambique, 2011).
12.2. Electricity Generation
The situation in Mozambique is such that there are two classifications of generation. The first
one is an installed capacity of 233 MW intended for use inside Mozambique. The second
form of generation is 2075 MW of electricity generated from Cahora Bassa intended for the
South Africa market with Eskom as the offtake customer.
The 2075 MW from Cahora Bassa project was constructed on the basis of availability of a
low risk guaranteed large customer. Hence, a long term power purchase agreement contract
was signed with Eskom as the buyer of electricity from the power station. The power station
has five 400MW generating units of which four and half are contracted to Eskom.
The fact that the majority of generation from Cahora Bassa is for a specific client means that
the power generated here at present will not be able to supply the heavy demand foreseen
by the growing mining industry. Furthermore, even if some of this power were to become
available there are technical difficulties in tapping power off a DC transmission line.
Therefore, in order to meet the requirements of the new mining developments, and possible
concomitant industrial growth, new sources of electricity are required.
EDM has been considering new sources of power such as the expansion of the Cahora
Bassa north bank, the $2 bn Mphanda Nkuwa hydro power station 60 km downstream from
Cahora Bassa and possible thermal generation power projects with primary energy from the
coal in Tete province. Vale and Riversdale have been reported at various stages as
considering large coal fired plants of 2400 and 1000-2000 MW respectively.
However, due to the scale of these developments it is important that there is a clearly
defined take-off with (low risk - long term) mining and manufacturing business in the pipeline
as committed clients. This makes a compelling case for detailed spatial development studies
to ensure that the planning of all aspects of the development corridors is synchronised and
to both ensure against unnecessary development as well as giving companies planning
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future developments the assurance that the supportive infrastructure will be in place on time
for their own business development. To be able to provide the secure consistent power
demanded by the future clients, it will be important to have back up ring feeder circuits, built
in redundancies and even standby diesel power supplies.
Figure 61: Mozambique Electricity transmission network, December 2010.
Source: http://www.edm.co.mz/images/stories/transporte.jpg
The Cahora Bassa north bank project is likely to go ahead with an expected generation
capacity of 1000 MW. At the time of constructing Cahora Bassa main station the civil works
for the north bank were also constructed excluding the preparation of the power house hall.
The civil works for north bank were prepared for a future power station to meet the demand
of internal customers.
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Mphanda Nkuwa, which is expected to generate 1500 MW, will effectively depend on the
flow of water from Cahora Bassa upstream. The result is that the two power stations will
have common features. This presents a high risk situation since a large percentage of
overall generation will be reliant on the outflow from the same dam, and water flow will have
to be monitored and controlled very carefully to avoid flooding or reducing water too much on
the river downstream from Cahora Bassa. Zambezi River Authorities will be involved
extensively because if water flow is not monitored and controlled carefully it could lead to
floods resulting in loss of life, crops and animals in the Zambezi river basin. On the other
hand if the water is too restricted this could affect the river transport system.
The Mozambican government is reported to have given the go-ahead to construct the $2.4
billion Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric plant in December 2010 (Katerere, 2010).
Hidroelectrica de Mphanda Nkuwa will build the power station in collaboration with
Electricidade de Mocambique, Brazil’s Camargo Correa SA (the worlds largest builder of
hydroelectric facilities) and Mozambique’s Insitec SGPS SA. It was reported that the plant
would have a capacity of 1500 megawatts (Katerere, 2010). The environmental impact study
is currently underway and is expected to be completed by May 2011, after which the
company hopes to get a green light from the environmental ministry by mid 2011
(Macuahub, 2011f). Building is likely to start in 2012 and to be completed 5-6 years later with
the first four 350 MW turbines being commissioned 50 months after the start of construction.
Electricity is one of Mozambique's most important contributions to SADC, which is currently
facing a severe energy shortfall. The current total generating capacity in the SADC region is
around 52,500 MW and it will require about 57,000 MW by the end of 2012.
12.3. Gas
There has been increasing pressure in the last 10 years to move towards renewable and
environmentally friendly sources of energy. It is generally considered better to use natural
gas instead of coal as a primary source of energy if the option is available. Mozambique has
natural gas, which is piped to Sasol. There are plans to explore natural gas as an alternative
form of energy especially in the southern region around Maputo and Gaza provinces. If
developed, this could be seen as a power supply to produce electricity in the development of
the Chibuto project if the current tender has takers.
12.4. Electricity Transmission
HVDC transmission line which was put into service in three stages in 1977-1979 runs south
from Chaora Bassa parallel to the Zimbabwean border, to the Apollo sub-station in South
Africa. It currently transmits 1920 MW of power to converter stations (Songo in Mozambique
and Apollo in South Africa). There are two parallel 1,400 km DC lines between Songo and
Apollo. The power from Cahora Bassa is converted from AC to DC at Songo substation in
Mozambique, and transmitted through a 533 kV HVDC (high voltage direct current)
transmission line to Apollo substation in South Africa. At Apollo the DC power is converted
back to AC. In 2008 Eskom carried out an upgrade on the South African side. On the
Mozambican side EDM is currently working on a proposal to upgrade this power with a
project possibly starting in January 2012.
Power to the southern part of Mozambique around the Maputo province is then supplied
from the South African electrical system via 400 kV lines owned by Eskom. The arrangement
is such that if Cahora Bassa is generating electricity and the 533kV HVDC is in service to
Apollo, then EDM is charged wheeling (transmission) fees only by Eskom. However, if
Cahora Bassa is not generating and the HVDC line has an outage, EDM still continues to
receive power from Eskom. In such a situation, EDM is charged the full agreed tariff by
Eskom as opposed to the lower wheeling charges.
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The current arrangement is such that for the bulk of the existing loads the sources of power
are towards the north of Mozambique and the load centres are mainly in the south, Maputo
and Eskom Apollo substation. This creates an undesirable situation of long expensive and
risky transmission lines from the north to the south.
Figure 62: High Voltage Direct current Line
Source: Abb.com
12.4.1. North South AC and DC Transmission – inland backbone
During the last few years EDM has been working on the possibility of implementing an
alternating current transmission line and a direct current transmission line from Tete to the
south. The reason for this is to take advantage of both AC and DC technologies.
12.4.1.1. AC Transmission Line
The AC transmission line would enable EDM to tap off power and supply customers along
the transmission line. This would supply power to most of the proposed mining areas in the
central region of Tete and Beira.
12.4.1.2. DC Transmission Line
The DC transmission line would enable EDM to transmit power further south to Maputo at a
relatively lower capital cost as DC transmission lines usually represent a less costly option
for very long distance lines. It is envisaged that if this DC line were implemented then
Eskom would not need to supply power to the Maputo region. Such a scenario would mean
a gain of about 900 MW into the South African network. This 900MW is the power that
Eskom currently exports to Mozal.
It does, however, appear as if the preliminary costs for these transmission lines are much
higher than previously anticipated. EDM has indicated that a loan of about $1.7 bn will be
obtained from the European Investment Bank (Bloomberg, 2010). Further investigative work
on power flow and system stability of these long transmission lines will be required before
implementation, and system redundancy in case of outages must be taken into account.
12.4.2. Mozambique – Malawi Interconnection
The Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) was tasked to prioritise the implementation of
interconnections. As part of this mandate the government of Mozambique has signed a loan
agreement with the World Bank to construct an interconnection line with Malawi.
12.4.3. Mozambique – Zimbabwe interconnection
There is an existing interconnection line from Cahora Bassa to Zimbabwe. This
interconnector can deliver a maximum of 600 MW, however, this system is very weak, not
154
available most of the time and the system stability is questionable. The strengthening of this
line will be considered later. The political instability in Zimbabwe makes it difficult to actively
package this as a project.
12.4.4. Revenue Collection
While carrying out all these electricity infrastructure developments for the mining sector
EDM’s master plan incorporates the supply of electricity to the commercial and residential
sector surrounding the mining projects. It is assumed that most of the people around the
major mining developments will be employed and will be able to pay for the electricity
consumed. This downstream economic development is expected to be an important
contributor to the long term consumption of electrical power and forms an integral part of
long term planning.
12.4.5. Conclusion
Mozambique’s electricity demand is projected to grow by 11% per annum to 2015. However
with an expected 5.9% decline in natural gas production and a 4.8% planned reduction in
electricity output (for rehabilitation and maintenance on power stations, sub-stations and
transmission lines) will lead to pressure on the electricity supply (Allafrica, 2010b). Solar
powered energy is planned to make a contribution to the national grid. Foreign investment in
this sector is encouraged.
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13. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Mining can be divided into 3 phases:
The construction phase begins with infrastructure construction required for the mining
and ends when the first load of ore is removed from the ground.
The operational phase starts when the first load of ore is removed from the mine and
ends when the last load of ore is removed.
The final phase is the decommissioning phase, which begins when the last load of ore
is removed and ends when the mine is given closure by the relevant authority.
There may be a certain degree of overlap between the phases, for example, construction
may continue after operation has begun, and rehabilitation may begin before operation
ceases.
Before building or mining can take place, it is imperative that the relevant environmental laws
are considered and adhered to. Generally a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) will
be required to be carried out by a registered environmental practitioner. This assessment
will include consultation with interested and affected parties (I&AP’s). Concerns raised by
any I&AP’s (individuals or organisation) should be considered and where possible mitigated.
Alternatives to all proposed activities and processes should be considered and
environmental impacts of all alternatives will need to be assessed in order to determine
which alternative will most effectively allow mining activities to go on without destroying the
surrounding environment irreparably.
Both surface and underground mining will take place as part of the potential projects.
Surface mining will have a greater and more noticeable impact on the environment than
underground mining, however underground mining may cause greater damage at a later
stage as a result of subsidence. Impacts will be greatest during the operation phase of the
mine, and it will be the responsibility of the mine to follow a suitable environmental
management plan during the decommissioning phase to return the environment to close to
its pre-mining condition.
Environmental impacts of activities associated with mining may include transportation of ore
or refined products (road, rail or conveyer), refining of ore, and dumping of unwanted
processed materials. It is anticipated that the refining processes will require potentially
dangerous chemicals, which could be harmful or even fatal if contaminating surrounding
water bodies. A dirty water treatment scheme will be required in order to ensure that liquids
released into the surrounding environment will be harmless.
13.1. Climate Change
Climate change is defined as the “long-term change in the statistical distribution of weather
patterns over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years” (Wikipedia
2011a). However, modern usage of the term is often linked to global warming, which is
predicted to result in increased sea levels, changes in rainfall patterns and volumes, extreme
weather events and changes in agricultural yields (Wikipedia 2011b).
For the mining sector, climate change is starting to feature increasingly on the agenda of
mining companies and their suppliers. This can be seen by the fact that Deloitte is calling
climate change one of the ten trends that are having the greatest impact on the mining
sector (George Media Network 2011) and the fact that auditing firm KPMG is now
recommending that mining companies “make climate change a strategic and fully integrated
part of corporate policies, new initiatives, acquisitions, supplier relationships and business
models” (KPMG 2011).
157
The recent floods in Australia have brought home the influence of extreme weather events
on buyers of raw materials. It has been noted that several power utilities around the world
had to find alternative supplies of coal, as their traditional Australian coal sources were
unable to supply them due to forces that were deemed beyond their control. South Korean
utilities, in particular, were badly affected as they keep low inventories of coal and didn’t
have large stockpiles to assist them in this period of shortfall (Reuters 2011). While the
memory of this may be shortlived once the Australian coal sector recovers, it appears likely
that the power sector in future risk preparedness programmes may decide to alter its buying
patterns in future by stockpiling more coal and ensuring that it has access to coal resources
from diverse regions. This may result in a windfall for Mozambique, since coal could be
bought from Mozambique and relationships cemented with coal miners in an area which
would be considered geographically different to traditional Asian supply sources.
Large mining companies that had to declare force majeure as a result of this recent
environmental catastrophe, may, if they are prudent, consider their future acquisitions in the
light of distributing geographical weather risk and consider whether acquisitions are likely to
be influenced by adverse weather conditions that may affect mining in future. This may also
bode well for the Mozambican mining sector, which may benefit from companies wanting to
spread their geographic weather risk to other regions, including to sub-Saharan Africa.
However, climate-change-concerned mining companies may also be calculating the
likelihood of extreme weather events in the areas in which they operate. Many of the Crirsco
mineral resource reporting codes, including JORC, SAMREC and NI43-101, already ask
companies to consider whether the environment will in some way influence mining activities.
However, this has historically been limited to describing the annual climate, as it would be
experienced in an average year – but at least for internal planning purposes, wise planners
may be beginning to look at a longer climate-description timescale to characterize typical
weather events in a country.
It is not certain how Mozambique would fair in an analysis of its vulnerability to extreme
weather events. Mozambique has been noted for its vulnerability to tropical cyclones, floods
and droughts – a situation which is worsened by its limited ability to forecast extreme
weather events (Queface 2004). The country, which lies in the southern hemisphere, has
also been badly affected by the La Nina events of late, which have led to above-average
rainfall. About 13,000 people have been evacuated and 13 are known to have been killed.
And this only a decade after the floods of 2000, which resulted in the deaths of 800 people
(Wikipedia 2011c). These facts would suggest that, from a climate-change perspective,
those who are risk adverse might think twice about situating mines in Mozambique because
of its vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Climate change may thus affect Mozambique’s mining sector in the following ways: Possible diversification of minerals sourcing (which could result in a potential inflow of
investment);
Geographical distribution of mineral acquisitions (which could result in a potential inflow
of investment); and
Considerations on whether mines are likely to be affected by extreme weather events
(which could result in a potential discouragement of investment into Mozambique).
It is also important to note that climate change, while it is becoming a more important factor
in mining decision making, is not yet as important as it may be in future. KPMG (2010) notes
that fewer than 20% of mining sector participants surveyed believed that climate change is a
significant driver for new initiatives in their organizations.
However, for the Mozambican government it has been important to take cognisance of the
increasing likelihood of significant weather events due to world climate change and the
158
impact that this has on business decisions. It is for this reason that a cyclone early warning
system was established as a result of a partnership between the Instituto Nacional de
Gestão de Calamidades [National Disaster Management Institute] (INGC), with other
interested bodies and funded by USAID (Pereira et al 2010).
The cyclone early warning system of Mozambique, which indicates the proximity of cyclones
in three colour-codes (See Figure 63) was endorsed by the Government and is in use.
Although the programme closed in early 2006 and with it external funding ended, local
disaster committees with the support of the Mozambican red cross put what they had
learned into practice during the February 2007 Cyclone Favio – alerting communities as
necessary (Pereira et al 2010).
Figure 63: Cyclone Early Warning System, Mozambique
Source: INGC et al (2003) as shown in Pereira et al (2010)
Similarly Mozambique has set up a simple but effective flood warning system in which
individuals have been tasked with measuring rainfall, and checking river level gauges. If the
river level rises above a certain point, trained assistants send a radio message to a central
coordination point in Buzi. Here the messages are assessed and a decision made whether
or not to issue a formal flood warning. Warnings are spread using megaphones or radio
announcements. Local committees have been set up and trained to carry out evacuations
159
effectively (Pereira et al 2010). It appears that these warning methods are currently working
successfully and in time can be supported with improved equipment as the economy grows.
Notwithstanding the creditable developments in Mozambique, Patt and others (2010)
indicate that it is in the immediate future (the next 2 decades) that the vulnerability of
Mozambique and other third world countries will rise most rapidly to the effects of climate
change. After that it is considered that with expected rates of development, Mozambique
along with other least developed countries (LDCs) will be in a far better position to deal with
adaption to climate change and that their need for external assistance should decrease.
However Patt and others (2010) warn that their model is constrained and that if development
is slower than expected the degree of self sufficiency will not be reached or if temperature
increases are greater than 2 degrees the model will not hold, and the cumulative changes to
ecosystems may be such that even developed countries may not be able to cope with the
change.
In order to lower the overall mining risk in Mozambique it may be of value to prioritise those
areas that are likely to be less prone to extreme weather events, in the knowledge that these
areas are likely to be preferred by investors (i.e. those not highlighted in Figure 64, for
instance).
Figure 64 : Areas vulnerable to cyclones
Source: Queface (2004)
160
14. MINERAL POLICY
The recent paper on mineral scarcity by Kooroshy and others (2009) may influence world
policy makers to rethink country policies around mineral resources, resource development
and resource control. It is equally advisable that policy makers in Mozambique consider
carefully the way forward. The non-renewable nature of mineral resources means that a
country has only one opportunity to take the best route in mineral development and since
Mozambique is in the fortunate position to have not yet travelled far on its route of mineral
development it may still make those decisions now.
Although it may be unpopular with mining companies it is likely that the state should take a
degree of direct control over the mineral resource development of the country as do the US,
China and Japan. One of the most important aspects of this should be a moderated level of
mining with a well planned developmental approach to the extraction and local refining of
minerals as well as a strong growth strategy to ensure industrialisation built out of the
mineral resource strength.
It is particularly important that Mozambique ensures that it supplies the maximum degree of
knowledge as well as infrastructural support as is feasible to the minerals industry in order to
allow for a vibrant exploration and mining sector. In this regard it is already doing well by
having a licensing system that is functioning efficiently. In a series of interviews done by
Letlapa all the respondents commented on the excellent level of operation of the licensing
system and the only problems mentioned at all, were some minor incidences of petty
corruption and the fact that the companies would like the process to be further speeded up
(although all said that the turnover speed was satisfactory). However availability of
geological maps, and books on the geology and mineral resources of Mozambique could be
improved and would enhance general knowledge of the resource availability. High level,
local processing of exploration samples as well as metallurgical services could be
considered to support the industry.
It is of the utmost importance that, where foreign countries make agreements for mineral
access, there is a system in place that will allow Mozambique to fully replace the lost mineral
capital with other forms of capital. Careful calculation should be done to ensure that in
developing its mineral potential, the Mozambican people do not lose their overall capital
position in being too keen to pursue a quick but unsustainable growth path which is not
soundly based on an overall national development.
Kooroshy and others (2009) indicate that, especially in the case of scarce minerals, it is to
be expected that in the future these minerals may no longer be available on the open market
with equal access to all bidders but may increasingly be available only to preferred bidders
via long term contracts signed between “major corporations with heavy government
involvement”. They also say that such contracts may carry clauses in which the country
gaining access may be expected to transfer technology or provide political concessions or
military aid. Where particular resources are in short supply within a country rationing may be
considered.
14.1. Politics of mineral scarcity
The idea of mineral scarcity is correctly rooted in a demand-supply equation in which
demand gradually eclipses supply. It is also rooted in global geopolitics and attempts by
countries to secure those minerals that they require and which they might be unable to
acquire as a result of favouritism or stockpiling by a supplier nation, supplier company or
cartel. Thus, the idea of mineral scarcity could actually be related to perceptions of whether
the supply of a mineral might be limited in a relative sense (i.e. not available to a particular
country) rather than limited in an absolute sense (i.e. not available at all globally).
161
The issue of which minerals are strategic and have to be acquired to secure or at least not
lose a particular country’s position in global production, aeronautics, space, or some other
area of specialization, has been around since the Cold War. During this period, countries
inventoried their mineral resources and determined whether they had potential resources of
various minerals that could be mined at a future stage. They also stockpiled minerals so as
to ensure that they would always have sufficient of these strategic minerals to ensure their
wellbeing. They discussed concerns over imports such as steel (and the associated minerals
that are required in its production) and petroleum, as well as lesser-known metals minerals
required for strategic weapons (Parthemore 2011).
During the Cold War period, the then Soviet Union established strong relationships with
many mineral supplying nations, and Western countries became fearful that they would be
dependent on what were perceived to be pro-Soviet countries in Southern Africa and
Eastern Europe (Parthemore 2011). Among the countries that many Western countries
would have been concerned with was Mozambique, whose ruling party only abandoned
Marxism in 1989 (CIA 2011).
However, since the Cold War there is the sense that concerns over supplies of minerals are
waning (Parthemore 2011), with the exception of energy minerals, petroleum and rare
earths, which seem to be continuously in the news with associated concerns that countries
may not be able to access these commodities in the long term. Many countries do not
explicitly state their degree of dependency on particular minerals, and this has led some to
suggest that there should be more open sharing of information about their mineral
dependencies (Pathemore 2011).
Considerable concern seems to surround the booming economic growth of India, China,
Brazil and other countries, whether they can secure enough minerals for themselves and
whether their demand for minerals will result in other countries going without (Pathemore
2011).
For a country like Mozambique, and for mineral producers in Mozambique, global politics will
inevitably enter into the supply relationships that are established.
China, for instance, planned to invest $13bn in Mozambican industrial, tourism, mining and
energy projects between 2010 and 2015; planned to build a car factory and hydroelectric
dams; set up a “China Town” in Maputo; and introduce direct flights between Mozambique
and Shanghai (The Economic Times 2010).
China is also a leading consumer of steel, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and other
commodities. It is likely that it will play an important role in securing its own supplies of
various commodities from Mozambique, and this will be assisted by the fact that it has
extremely cordial relations with Mozambique, dating back to the early 1960s when Beijing
supported the country’s independence from Portugal (Horta undated).
India has set a bilateral trade target of $1bn by 2013 and has agreed to provide $500m
worth of credit for infrastructure, agriculture and energy projects (Sharma 2010).
India also has a voracious appetite for coal and is believed to be scouting particularly for
coal in the Southern African region, because of a 70 Mtpa shortfall in its coal supply (SapaAFP 2011). India has made it clear that it is particularly interested in the country’s coal and
will establish an institute for training in the coal sector and a planning institute for coal
(Sharma 2010).
162
The country is also keen to reinforce the fact that it is part of the same “Indian Ocean
Community” and that it has had a relationship that dates back to precolonial days (Sharma
2010).
Brazil is also keen to cement ties with the country, and a consortium of businesses
undertook at the end of 2010 to invest $500m in Mozambique (Mucari 2010). The South
American emerging country has strong language and cultural ties that it wishes to exploit.
Brazilian firm Vale has invested $1.5bn in the Moatize project, while energy company
Camargo Correia is building a new Zambezi river dam (Mucari 2010).
While it seems a bit mercenary, strong geopolitical ties may result in some countries gaining
control over a lion’s share of Mozambique’s wealth while others do not fare as well.
Also important will be the behaviour of the companies that are representatives of these
emerging economies. There are already reports that some companies are not respectful of
the local inhabitants or of the Mozambican environment, and these reports may eventually
sour relations between these significant investors and Mozambique.
Strategic minerals, and the access to them, will continue to be an issue for many countries,
and their decisions to invest in a particular country will be made based on careful
considerations. Some countries, such as the UK, have been quite open as to what would
constitute a strategic mineral, and some of their criteria include (NTC 2010): Whether production is dominated by one or a few countries;
Whether producing nations are politically and economically stable;
Whether there are falling production levels of a certain commodity; and
Whether the variety of uses and growing number of uses is likely to increase demand for
a commodity.
This suggests that the following commodities produced by Mozambique could be considered
strategic by some: Steam coal, which continues to be in demand as a result of increasing levels of
affluence which is driving up the production of electricity. Some countries have already
declared it a strategic mineral, while others are considering making it one
Coking coal, which is the reductant of choice for the burgeoning steel market
Rare earths, production of which is dominated by China, which produces 98.9% of world
production (NTC 2010)
Flake graphite which has a growing number of hi-tech uses and could be important in
some future energy technologies
Lithium which although widely produced, is expected to have a rapidly growing demand,
mainly for use in batteries although demand for other uses is also likely to increase
Uranium and thorium, with hydrocarbons severely under pressure in the near term these
are likely to represent the next phase of energy minerals for the provision of mass
power.
However, the UK, and other investing nations might be reticent to consider Mozambique as
a reliable alternative source of minerals because of its political and economic stability
rankings. The NTC has indicated that it considers South Africa’s supply of chromium as
potentially associated with risk since it “is ranked "borderline" on the Failed States index, and
in the poorest 15% of countries performing according to the Policy Potential index”. It has
also noted that South Africa’s problems with infrastructure provision (electricity and water)
pose a threat to the security of supply of platinum. However, these categorizations are likely
to be even more appropriate to its Mozambican neighbour and may reflect that emerging
and developed countries may also be wary of the country even whilst they are attracted by
the country’s mineral potential.
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164
15. RESULTS OF DISCUSSIONS WITH INTERESTED PARTIES
A questionnaire was broadly circulated in the industry and discussions where held with
several businesses related to mining and exploration as well as a government official.
Responses to the questionnaire were disappointing and several of the companies
approached were not prepared to be interviewed. However the interviews held were fruitful
and to a large extent the points that were made coincided between the various sectors. The
results are summarised below.
15.1. Transport
The single most discussed issue was that of an inadequate transport system to allow for
both export and import of goods. The Sena railroad, is seen as being hopelessly inadequate
and the road network poor. One suggestion that should be given careful consideration was
that the department of transport should disclose a clear plan of action with delivery dates for
an improved rail and road network. It was felt that once this was fully clarified foreign direct
investment would once again pick up significantly in a planned fashion to bring projects on
line as the proposed infrastructure was put in place. The potential of the Niassa district is
seen as being hampered by poor infrastructure, but since this potential is not yet clear it is
understandable that there is not much commitment to enhance the infrastructure here. It is
however important that the area is given a degree of priority in government planning so that
once (if?) further exploration outlines the reserves there is also a plan for the provision of the
infrastructure.
15.2. Pegmatites
Tantalum export through Namibia has been a problem, but during the period of this project
there have been trial exports through Nacala. It is understood that Quelimane is also seen
as a potential export point for tantalum. In the past there has been a considerable amount of
dumping of kaolin in the area of the pegmatite mines, which is both wasteful and can present
an environmental problem. However there is now interest in working the dumps.
15.3. Licensing
In general there was satisfaction amongst respondents with the licensing procedures,
however there was a feeling that the turnover time could be faster. It appears as if the step
that takes the longest relates to the acceptance of the environmental impact assessment
and it may be a good idea for government to look at the process here to see if it could be
streamlined. Licencing turnover should always be done within the time limits of the
regulations, currently the turnover is 2-3 times the regulated turnover speed.
15.4. Corruption
Here again there appears to be very little problem in general. There were a couple of reports
of minor corruption with clerical staff. However, no matter how small, this should be an issue
of concern, since it may well grow if not controlled. There was one comment that concerned
the interviewer very much – and that came from a company CEO who stated: “I am close to
government, I can get anything I want from government within 48 hours”. Against the general
background of respondents who are giving the authorities top marks and reporting little or no
corruption, this comment appears at first to be positive, but on further reflection it may be
indicating a degree of complacency that indicates a corrupt association that allows the
respondent quick results to whatever they ask.
15.5. New Law
A respondent indicated that there were some legal changes currently being dealt with by the
Mozambican government. There was concern about what might be contained in this and to
what extent the changes may be undesirable to the industry. The feeling was that the law as
165
it stood currently was excellent. On the other hand the Mozambican mineral sector is
developing rapidly and there are several issues which the current law may not cover in
sufficient detail, especially as concerns radioactive materials, requirements for local
downstream processing, carbon capture and storage (CCS), water usage and degradation
especially in cases such as coal bed methane etc.
15.6. Explosives
The import of mining explosives appears to be difficult and there is little competition in the
local production in explosives. As a result the explosives that are obtainable often do not
meet the standards required. There is clearly a huge market gap here with the rapidly
expanding mining industry and government should encourage the development of new
competitive companies in this area as well as in other sectors which provide input to mining
companies. Although the downstream activity from mining is often considered in detail the
supply to miners equally forms a critical part of the overall mining cluster and the opportunity
to develop rapidly in this area is now at the beginning of the mining developmental cycle in
the country.
15.7. Skills
There appears to be a general lack of qualified and skilled people in Mozambique. This is
not surprising since the mineral development has been fast and expected future
development may even accelerate. It is essential that Mozambique ensures now that it
provides for the necessary skills training at its universities, colleges and technical schools.
An area where there is an urgent need is in the general area of management in which there
appears to be a particular shortage. However as development continues there will be severe
shortages in several scientific, engineering and technical areas and it is important that the
country immediately takes action to be in a better position to redress these when they do
occur.
166
16. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Forecasting is an inexact science and the only thing that the forecaster is ever assured of is
being wrong. However, in attempting to indicate a pathway for future development within the
region covered by the Beira, Zambezi and Nacala spatial development initiatives, the mineral
strategist has no other choice but to attempt to see into the future and to forecast likely
events and scenarios.
There is no doubt that the region under discussion in this document has considerable
potential in the mineral sector as well as in other sectors. Looking at historical development
throughout the world it can be seen that it is normally mineral sector development that allows
the step upwards from third world rural society to first world industrialized society, and it is in
the development of this sector that there must be clarity of purpose and policy to ensure that
the opportunity is not missed.
In essence, the problem being faced is how to develop discrete mineral potential into broadbased developmental reality. The opportunity to make the step from a third world primary
industry based economy to a first world secondary and tertiary based industrial society
presents itself right now to Mozambique and the region in general. Unless in-depth planning
is carried out followed by decisive statesmanlike decision-making the opportunity is likely to
be lost. The faster the correct decisions are made the better and at maximum there is
probably a window of opportunity of two or three years in which to set the course for future
development in the region to ensure a maximum benefit to the people. The fundamentals of
what is required are simple, the detail complex. In the simplest terms, all mineral
development must lead primarily to downstream processing in the region within the
foreseeable future. Although it is well known that the provision of excellent transport services
go hand in hand with development, these should NOT be seen simply as conduits to export
raw materials. The current situation, where transport of raw materials out of the region is
limited, can be seen as an advantage since it forces a second look at developmental
opportunity within the region. That said, the development of the major transport routes in the
SDIs should clearly continue at a good pace since they will still be essential for movement of
goods both into and out of the region as development takes place.
With the information at hand, it appears that the export of coal will be constrained by
transport infrastructure for the near future. Due to this, the mining will also be limited unless
suitable coal take-off is found. There are several projects, dealt with in the report, which can
assist in improving the situation by using a proportion of the coal locally and therefore
lowering the tonnage to be exported and increasing the value of goods for export. Although
some of these projects may need a good deal of study, it is advisable to go through the
process so that the best solution can be found for the region. It is virtually a certainty that
with the background of this report and more in-depth study that many other opportunities will
become apparent to broaden the options and allow for further densification of
developmentwithin the SDIs. Nearly all of the opportunities dealt with in the report are
interconnected and those, which will have the greatest direct impact on using the available
power, lowering the tonnage burden and increasing revenue and job opportunities, are:
Coal fired power stations
Coke ovens to produce coke locally
Production of iron and steel based on Tete magnetite deposit preferably using PCI
technology if appropriate
Production of titanium slag and HPPI (coastal, Tete and Malawi)
Nepheline syenite plant
Production of synfuels
167
Of these, it would appear that the coal-fired power stations should have the highest priority
(although leading to the possible problem of what to do with the excess electrical power
generated) followed by the establishment of coke ovens and then (if the mine is feasible) the
production of iron and steel from the Tete magnetite deposit. The production of slag and
HPPI is also an important part of the web of industry that can be built since the demand for
scrap in a steel mill is likely to be too great to be easily filled and HPPI can suffice.
The nepheline syenite plant and synfuels plant may have a very large impact, however the
likelihood of them coming to fruition in the short to medium term is considered to be lower
due to technological and environmental challenges.
The extent to which fertiliser can be produced will depend on which of the mining and
industrial projects get off the ground. However, its impact on agriculture is sure to be
significant and it should be seen as an essential component of the overall plan. A simplified
flowchart of some of these processes, showing the extent to which they are interconnected,
is shown in Figure 65.
Some of the projects lower in the listing given Table 34 should not be discounted, since they
may found to be quite feasible if followed through. For example, a jewellery factory to
produce finished products from local precious metals and gemstones can be relatively easily
brought to fruition, especially if it follows a staged growth pattern and as tourism grows the
products are heavily marketed. Similarly, markets for the various products of a zircon
beneficiation plant should be investigated and the state should if necessary add incentive to
a plant being built either by direct incentivisation of the plant or possibly disincentivising the
export of zircon. Besides the projects that were rated there are many other opportunities that
are important and deserve to be included in detailed planning within each SDI. Some of
these are listed in the section on “Other projects for consideration” in section 9.3.2.
With regard to the development of the coal mines themselves, unless and until either
sufficient export transport capacity is available or attractive local take-off opportunities come
on line, it will be increasingly difficult for each new operation to come to production. Moatize
is on the verge of starting to mine and it is likely that Benga will be next online followed by
Zambeze, Ncondezi and others. However, without transport or local take off being in place it
is unlikely that either Zambeze or Ncondezi will in fact be able to start mining. It is therefore
imperative that there should be the highest priority possible accorded to finding a solution
and to setting out clear and transparent plans for the future development of the area. It is
equally important that the planning process is brought to the attention of the mining houses
and the international community, and that the results are open to them. In this way, even if it
does mean that some mines will have to delay their planned opening, there will be
confidence in the country and region because of having an open agenda and for planning
ahead for the near and medium term. This is clearly the opportunity to make the important
move into a modern industrialised economy and government should look at every
opportunity possible to make the process of industrialisation work. The encouragement may
require some innovative incentives to begin with and these should be seen in light of future
revenues, import replacement and job creation.
168
Figure 65 : Simplified flowchart of some of the developmental projects discussed
Local use and export of electricity
Synthetic
fuel plant
feasibility
Build thermal power
Plant(s)
Synthetic
fuel plant
Downstream
Chemical
Industry
Mine Nepheline
Syenite
Build rail extension to
Nepheline syenite
cluster
Power for Industrial processes
Local use and export of chemicals and synfuel
Ash and gypsum
Cement
production
Local use and export
Export of clinker
Clinker
Nepheline Syenite:
Cement alumina
plant feasibility
Process
Nepheline
syenite
Coal offtake
Alumina
Aluminium
smelter
Soda ash
Ceramics / glass
industry
Local use and export of aluminium
Establish resource and
mine clay and glass
sands
Limestone
Potash
Local use and export of fertiliser
Limestone quarry
Ammonia
Fertiliser
factory
Phosphate mine
Mont Muande/Evate
apatite resource
established
Gypsum
Coke oven
feasibility
Coke oven
Upgrade agricultural
industry
Slag
Downstream
Chemical
Industry
Local use and export of chemicals
Local use and export of Coke
Local use and export of steel
PCI
feasibility for
Tete
magnetites
Pulverized
coal
Iron and
steel mills
HPPI
Magnetite / titanium
mining
Ilmenite
smelting
Export titanium slag
Export excess
169
Tete / Mont Muande
magnetite Resources
and feasibility
Upgrade/rehabilitate
Rail to Beira / Nacala to carry 50 Mtpa +
Multiple coal mines to
produce steam coal
and cokIng coal
Thermal
Power Plant
feasibility
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DISTRIBUTION
Copy Number
1-5
Issued to
Mark Pearson
178
APPENDICES
179
APPENDIX I.
Commodity
Unit
“Granite”
m3
1996
Aggregate
m3
Bauxite
kt
11.46
Bentonite
kt
11.85
Beryl
1997
MINERAL PRODUCTION OF MOZAMBIQUE
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
759
661.5
669.7
539
520.8
2198
283
265
592.36
490.74
795.73
742.50
779.58
850.92
1179
8.22
6.13
7.88
8.13
9.59
9.12
11.79
8.98
9.52
11.07
13.78
11.13
11.18
29.99
21.87
16.17
25.31
20.57
17.87
4.27
t
18.8
0.8
54
78.3
27.3
146.3
16.4
Carbonate
rock
kt
585.6
729.2
1,301
1,348
1,593
654.2
155.9
Clay
kt
84.02
100.18
108.23
32.03
222.05
Dumortierite
t
40
40
113
10
664
Garnet
t
5.8
10.33
Graphite
kt
3.28
5.13
5.89
4.01
Marble
m2
9,881
13,820
2,736
16,296
14,640
15,303
9,980
10,227
13,666
12,153
12.825
Marble
m3
744
251
117
117
453
320
453
320
617
509
472
Quartz
t
24.7
31.3
31
173.5
294.7
195.1
Salt@
kt
10
80
80
80
80
Sand
kt
299.54
464.68
795.81
1372.03
1429.74
833.11
1404.18
Tantalite
kt
0.025
0.027
0.047
0.189
0.712
0.088
0.051
Source: Pekkala et al, 2008;
60
@
Benham and Brown, 2007
180
50
APPENDIX II.
METHODOLOGY
Introduction
A database of projects in Mozambique was created and rated against likely mid term future
demand, whether or not the deposit is “taken”, understood metallurgical difficulties in
processing, downstream beneficiation opportunity, mining or ‘mineability’, logistics and
energy. In the case of whether a property was “taken” this was related directly to whether or
not there was a prospecting, or mining right owner – properties with neither where accorded
a high (5) and those with a low (1) mark. All other assessments were rated according to the
best knowledge of the team in regards the value of the deposit, and its ease to bring to
mineability with 5 being most favourable and 1 least favourable. It is important to indicate
here that in all cases this was a rather mechanistic process since at this level of study with
more than 500 possible deposits to consider the amount of information that could be put
together to support decision making was limited. Once initial work with demand, mineral
rights, deposit size mining and metallurgy where in place, the rest of the work was done on a
select group of deposits
Factors Taken into Consideration
Typical aspects to consider are listed below. When not a lot of detail is known of individual
projects, ratings are broadly estimated at a high level and based on knowledge of typical
mineralisation styles which are generally encountered.
1. Future demand
a. Current demand
b. Mineral scarcity issues
c. New technologies
d. Geopolitical factors
2. Whether a deposit is “taken”
a. Issue of exploration or mining rights
3. Metallurgy
a. Level of ease of processing
b. Market availability of processing techniques
4. Mining
a. ·Geometry of mineralisation
b. ·Surface topography
c. ·Ease of ore/waste distinguishability – selectivity requirements
d. ·Mining skills requirements – technical difficulty
e. ·Grade / quality control requirements
f. ·Geotechnical conditions, slope stability-- hanging wall conditions
g. Hydrology – too much, too little water.
5. Logistics
6. Energy
a. Proximity of the deposit to existing electricity infrastructure (still awaiting confirmation
as to currency of the map used from EdM)
b. Deposits closest to exiting network rated 5.
181
c. Rating drops off for deposits progressively further away from the existing grid.
d. New isolated generation, possibly mini hydropower, closer to the deposit is a
possibility. However, this option was not considered at this point.
e. Areas near generation projects were given higher ratings.
f. The risk in the ratings of geomorphological features were not considered in this broad
rating.
7. Downstream
a. Ease of downstream opportunities
b. Job opportunities
c. Foreign exchange earnings
182
APPENDIX III.
DIRECT IMPACTS – FLOWSHEETS
Source: Walker 2004
183
Source: Walker 2004.
NOTE: Wilson 2011 indicates that the US is phasing out the use of HF in Gasoline alkylation due to a series of leaks that have been experienced.
184
Fig 3: Mineral sands
downstream project
Upstream Inputs:
- Coal or gas
- Heavy mineral sands deposits
- Electricity
- Other inputs
MINERAL SANDS
DOWNSTREAM PROJECT
TiO2 PIGMENT PLANT
Fig 3A
Source: Walker 2004.
ZIRCON CHEMICALS
PLANT
Fig 3B
.
185
HIGH PURITY PIG IRON
PLANT
Fig 3C
BRICK MAKING
Fig 3A: TiO2 PIGMENT PLANT
Upstream Inputs:
-Petroleum coke
-Slag
-Natural gas
-Salt (Namibia/Australia)
-Oxygen
-Water
-Coating chemicals
-Energy
Chlorine (local) Fig 3A(i)
TiO2 PIGMENT
PLANT
Beneficiated products
-Pigments
Paint Manufacture
-car paint
-latex paint
-acrylic paint
Plastic manufacture
-PVC
-polyolefins
-polyethelines
By-products
Coated Paper
Manufacture
Other uses
-Food colourant
-Cosmetics
-ink
-rubber
Ferric chloride (FeCl3)
-flocculating agent for water treatment
-removal of hexavalent chromium from
liquids
-etching agent for engraving, photography
and printed circuitry
-disinfectant
-sewage deodoriser
-petroleum refining
-tannery waste treatment
-glycerine manufacture and purification
-pesticides, fertilisers, soaps, deodorants
Paint
Plastic
Paper
Foodstuffs,
cosmetics
Industry,
Municipal
Source: Walker, 2004
186
Fig 3A(i): CHLOR ALKALI
CHEMICAL PLANT
Upstream Inputs
-Salt (imported - Namibia)
-Energy
CHLOR ALKALI CHEMICAL
PLANT
Outputs
-Hydrogen (H2)
-Chlorine (Cl)
-Caustic Soda (NaOH)
-Hydrochloric acid (HCL)
Zircon
Chemical
Plant
Fig 3B
TiO2 Pigment
Plant
Fig 3A
Margarine
production
(H2)
Foodstuffs
Source: Walker, 2004
187
Detergent
manufacture
Industry
Water
treatment
Municipal
Fig 3B: ZIRCON
CHEMICALS
Upstream Inputs:
- Water
- Electricity
- HCl
- Caustic Soda (NaOH)
- Sulphuric acid
- NaO(SiO2)3.3
ZIRCON CHEMICALS
PLANT
Beneficiated products
- Cheap crude zirconia
- Crude zirconia with 80% reduction in radioactivity
- Pure zirconia
- Acid zirconium sulphate tetrahydrate (AZST)
- Zirconium carbonate
Fig 3B(i)
Source: Walker, 2004
188
By-products
- Sodium silicate
- precipitated silica
- silica gel
Fig 3B(ii)
- other silicates
Waste products:
- Sodium chloride (NaCl)
Fig 3B(i): BENEFICIATED PRODUCTS
FROM ZIRCON CHEMICALS
PLANT
AZST
BENEFICIATED
ZIRCONIUM
PRODUCTS
ZrO2 (crude)
UV stabilised TiO2
pigment
Feedstock for the
production of a
wide variety of
Zr chemicals
Paint
manufacture
Zirconyl
acetate
Catalyst in silicone
waterproofing
Cosmetics
-lipstick, foundation,
mascara
UV block lotions
ZOC (zirconium
oxychloride)
ZrO2 (pure)
Ceramic
Pigment
grade
Glass grade
-Zircon-iron pink
-Zircon-vanadium blue
-Zircon-praseodymium
yellow
-Zircon-vanadium
yellows and oranges
-Specialised optical
and ophthalmic glass
-TV glass
-High purity ceramics
-Optical fibres
Electronic
grade
-Dielectric components
-Piezoelectric
components
Paint
Cosmetics
Ceramics
Stabilized
zirconia
Glass,
Ceramics
Electronics
Industrial, Medical, Auto Industry
Refractory applications,
high wear and
corrosive environments
Oxygen sensors
High temp. induction furnace
Alumina-zirconia-silica (AZS)
Magnesia-zirconia refractory bricks
Structural ceramics
-pump components, bearings, seals valves
-Deepwell down-hole valves and seats
Bioceramics
-hip joints
-bone replacement
-dental ceramics
Low wear ceramics
-high density balls and mill grinding media,
-engine parts, machine components
-Thread and wire guides
-marine pump seats and shaft guides
Forming dies
-Copper extrusion and wire drawing
-powder compacting dies
Cutting Application
-Blades, scissors, shears, cutting tools
Coatings
-Thermal barrier plasma spray
Fuel cells
-oxygen ion conductor membrane
Electrolysis
-electrolysis of hydrogen from water
Electrical components
-electrodes, filters transducers etc
Resonators
-acceleration sensors, buzzer elements,
ultrasound applications
Catalysts
-car exhaust catalysts, alkylation,
condensation, cracking
Source: Walker, 2004
189
TiO2 pigment coating
Rubber additive
Paint dryer
Feedstock for the
production of a wide
variety of zirconium
chemicals
“Cubic Zirconia” for
jewellery
Zircon sulphates
Zirconium
carbonates
TiO2 pigment coating
Leather tanning
Manufacture of advanced Zr salts
Automotive catalysts
Photocatalysts
Paint driers
Paper sizing
Water repellent
Antiperspirant
Auto industry, Paint, Paper,
Pharaceuticals
Paint, tanning
Fig 3B(ii): BY-PRODUCTS OF A
ZIRCON CHEMICALS PLANT
SODIUM
SILICATES
Siliceous
sodium
silicate
SOLID
Water Treatment
- corrosion control in piping
systems
Paint Manufacture
-glazes and enamels
Other uses
LIQUID
Soaps
Detergents
Industrial cleaners
Silica products
- gels
- sols
- catalysts
- molecular sieves
Adhesives
Cement additive
Paints and coatings
Water treatment
-corrosion control
Foundry moulds and cores
Ore flotation
Precipitated
silica
Alkaline sodium silicate
-Sodium metasilicate
anhydrous
-Sodium metasilicate
pentahydrate
- Sodium sesquisilicate
- Sodium orthosilicate
anhydrous
- sodium orthosilicate
hydrate
Detergent formulations
Dishwashing
compounds
Heavy duty cleaners
Laundry operations
Floor cleaners
Dairy cleaners
Metal cleaners
Paint removers
Soil stabilisers
Paper mill operations
Textile finishing
Colloidal
silica
Silica gel
Specialty fillers and
carriers
Electronics
Pulp and paper
- fibrous refractory binder
Investment castings
- binder
Paint manufacture
- flatting agent
Industrial use
- anticaking agent
Tyre Manufacture
Footware Manufacture
Rubber reinforcement
Paint Manufacture
- lacquers
- filmcoating
- water based paints
- polyurethane formulations
Specialised products
- inkjet papers and films
- toothpaste manufacture
- personal care items
- cell separators in batteries
Potassium
Silicate
Ethyl Silicate
Paints (zinc rich)
Welding rods
H2SO4 production
B&W TV sets
Paint Manufacture
- zinc rich primer
Investment casting
-Binder
Paint
Paint
Detergents, agriculture,
paper
Paint, toiletries, general
industry
Paint, detergents, Metallurgy and
chemical industries
Source: Walker, 2004
190
Fused Silica
Other
Silicates
Calcium,
aluminium &
magnesium
silicates
Pesticides
Rubber Manufacture
Pharmaceuticals
Cosmetics
Foodstuffs
Modification of polymers
Magnesium
silicates
Polyurethane foam
Industrial uses
- catalyst
- cleaner
- carrier for flavours
- carrier for fragrances
- Anticaking agents
Lithium
silicates
Binder for moisture
resistance
APPENDIX IV.
QUESTIONNAIRE USED
191
192
193
“Mozambique has a three year window of opportunity to
create a suitable policy environment to promote maximum
local beneiciation of the extensive mineral resources in the
Tete province”