South Harz Potash Ltd (ASX:SHP) has put a specialist team in place to deliver its pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the 100%-owned Ohmgebirge potash development project in Thuringia, Germany.
The team includes:
- Chief operating officer Lawrence Berthelet;
- Hatch;
- ERCOSPLAN;
- K-UTEC; and
- Micon
Berthelet will lead the team along with Hatch, which is well regarded for the development and implementation of potash projects globally having worked on projects in Europe, North America and beyond.
Also in the mix are ERCOSPLAN and K-UTEC, companies with a long tradition in the development of potash projects in many parts of the world. Both have extended experience in the Thuringian 'hartsalz' typical of the region.
Micon will continue to provide geological support and will be responsible for the mineral resource estimate.
Following the scoping study completed in August last year, the PFS is set to further refine the engineering, design and cost estimates (to +/-20%) for the Ohmgebirge Development,
Key workstreams have started with the overall PFS expected to be completed by January 2024.
Working with industry leaders
“We are very pleased to be working with global industry leaders, Hatch, and premier German mine and process engineering teams, ERCOSPLAN and K-UTEC, to advance our flagship Ohmgebirge Development," Berthelet said.
“Coupled with our geology partner Micon, the external team will deploy its experience alongside our owner’s team to advance the project through the PFS workstreams and will provide essential support to the Environmental Impact Assessment and permitting processes announced earlier this month.”
Company specialisations
The following is a list of companies working on the PFS and their specialisations.
Hatch Ltd, the leading global engineering, project management and professional services firm as:
- Lead consultant and study manager (external), with owner’s engineer responsibility;
- Infrastructure engineering and design, including all energy trade-off studies; and
- Capital and operating cost estimates.
ERCOSPLAN, specialist engineering consultant responsible for:
- Mine planning, geological risk assessment, geotechnical modelling, shaft hoisting and underground backfill technology engineering.
K-UTEC AG Salt Technologies, globally active partner for process engineering with responsibility for:
- Process flowsheet design, backfill technical and constituent engineering.
Micon International Co Ltd, a recognised mining consultancy firm providing independent professional advice to mining companies provides continuity in:
- Geological modelling, Competent Person and Mineral Resource update provision.