Madagascar: BMT to Manage Site Investigations

WTR proposes to mine and export 407,000 tonnes per annum of ilmenite and 44,000 tonnes of zircon rich concentrate from the Ranobe Mine to a new port site near Toliara (Tuléar).

To date, BMT has completed a Port Options Study, the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the marine works, and concept engineering design of the marine structures. The site investigation results will allow for improved accuracy in capital cost estimates and will enable BMT to progress the basic engineering design and preparation of tender documentation.

Bruce Griffin, CEO of WTR, explains: “BMT JFA Consultants provided expert input into the design and selection of the preferred export port option for our Ranobe Mine Project in Madagascar. They then developed and are currently coordinating marine and geotechnical studies to enable detailed design of the preferred option. BMT JFA Consultants possess deep port engineering knowledge and experience and were able to apply this knowledge effectively to enhance our project.”

The specific site works include: landside and nearshore geotechnical investigations with borehole drilling and CPT testing; landside and hydrographic surveys of the project site and surrounding area and a 12 month monitoring programme for measurement of waves, currents and water levels.

The BMT team also includes specialists from BMT ARGOSS and BMT WBM who will provide services including provision of offshore metocean design conditions, cyclone modelling, water-level modelling and concept design for the port materials handling operation.

Philip Slagle, BMT JFA Consultants’ Project Manager for the works, comments: “This project is a perfect example of how BMT can deliver complex projects using global engineering resources available through the BMT group of companies. By carrying out robust and structured studies which look at all aspects of the proposed port infrastructure, we have been able to deliver an optimum design solution for WTR.”

[mappress]

Press Release, December 17, 2012