Following the issuance of a large-scale gold and silver mining license to KEFI Minerals by the Ethiopian Ministry of Mines, KEFI Minerals recently put up international tender inviting companies that could supply, erect and commission a gold processing plant in the Tulu Kapi locality.
Reliable sources told The Reporter that the company has shortlisted four international companies. Sources said the management of KEFI Minerals and consultants has hired by KEFI are evaluating the bid proposals presented by the contractors. The gold processing plant will have the capacity to process 1.2 million tons of gold ore and produces 86,000-90,000 ounces (2650-2800 kg) of gold per year. The total cost of the plant is estimated at 120 million dollars. According to sources, the result of the bid will be announced in September 2015. “The plan is to break the ground in the fourth quarter (October-December) 2015 and construction requires around 18 months and production will start in early 2017,” they said. The large-scale mining license KEFI secured from the Ministry of Mines enables it to mine gold and silver on seven sq. km of land in Western Wollega, Genji Wereda, Tulu Kapi locality for 20 years. KEFI ear marked 151.6 million dollars for the gold-mining project that will create 700 jobs.
Source: The Reporter
