Mineral sands producer Base Resources Limited (AIM:BSE, ASX:BSE) said production from its Kwale operations in Kenya will drop in the year to June 2024 as it shifts production from South Dune to the Bumamani orebody.
This will mean a shutdown of half the mining operation from March 2024 as South Dune's hydraulic mining units and slurry collection hopper are relocated to Bumamani, Base added.
In addition, heavy mineral grades are lower in the remaining sections of the South Dune still left to be mined and in the areas of the North Dune and Bumamani ore bodies than historically.
Tonnes mined since February have also been lower than a year ago due to elevated oversize and slimes.
For the year to end June 2024, Base forecasts production of 35,000-41,000 tonnes (t) of rutile, 130,000-160,000t of ilmenite and 13,000-16,000t of zircon.
This compares to expected production for this year to June 2023 of 62,000-73,000t rutile, 260,000-310,000t ilmenite and 22,000-27,000t of zircon.