MINING
offered very competitive rates and world class quality,” says Forward. “They have also managed to train up local people as part of their drill operating teams and help us manage community issues relating to drilling.” SGS was another key partner, Forward explains; its expertise was vital to delivering metallurgical test work over the four years of development. “This has included helping us optimise the process route, establish recoveries and reagent levels, characterise tailings and characterise waste rock,” he says. “The characterisation of tailings and waste rock is a vital part of making sure that our mining waste facilities, including the tailings management facility, conform to the highest international standards. “SRK has made sure this concept can be applied in a practical way through detailed design and execution of the mining operation.” This partner was responsible for executing the post-feasibility study
mine design, delivering a range of objectives including geotechnical analysis, pit optimisation and design, haulage design and fleet selection, as well as cost estimation and mine waste management. “The fact that all of our mine waste is used in the construction of the embankment for the tailings management facility means that we have a reduced footprint,” Forward explains. “The embankment is entirely rock filled and uses the ‘downstream’ construction method which is the most conservative approach available.” In the four years spent developing the Ilovica-Shtuka mine, Euromax has demonstrated that sustainability isn’t simply a matter of compliance, more an active, positive contribution to the locality. By developing the project in line with the highest international standards, and through working with local and national stakeholders, Euromax has ensured that the project’s positive legacy is secured for the long term.
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