The managing director highlights the production issues facing the mine
RACHNA LAL
SUVA
The Wainivesi Mine is unique in that the ore is complement with copper, lead, zinc, silver and gold in it.
Managing director Matthew Huggan said the problem for mining companies is that the easy ore to extract is now all gone and this leaves the ore that is hard to separate.
“There are numerous projects in Fiji and around the world facing this same dilemma,” he said.
“Asia Pacific Resources has developed a process that breaks the metals into separate parts and allows the gold and silver to be sold separately to the other metals.
“This is a world first. Not only is it a world first but it recycles within the plant and has very low impact on the environment.”
But Mr Huggan said the downside was the plant was very complicated and if just one part does not work properly the whole thing cannot work.
“For us, the thing stopping production is one tank for treating the ore. The solution in the tank keeps eating through the tank walls. So we had to find an alternative.
“Plenty of suppliers say their product will work, but once we try it the product does not work and we are set back six months.
“We now have a material in place to do the job. But it has taken two years to find it.”
Full production
Mr Huggan said they anticipate full production to commence before the end of the year.
“It might be sooner or it might be later depending on the technical hurdles we face putting together this world first plant,” he said.
“But we can be certain that investors will be continuing to plough their money in or that the company will be earning income from exports.
“Either way, it will be good for the nation.”
Feedback: rachnal@fijisun.com.fj