Aspire Mining Ltd (ASX:AKM) will proceed with Stage 2 of the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study on the Ovoot Coking Coal Project (OCCP) Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) infrastructure.
The company’s aim is to refine the concept level designs and produce more accurate capital and operating cost estimates for the project located in northwestern Mongolia.
Background
Sedgman Pty Ltd was engaged by the company in June 2021 to conduct a FEED study on the OCCP CHPP infrastructure.
Stage 1 of this FEED study has been finalised, with a trade-off analysis completed comparing the use of various concepts and available technologies.
Following a review of the trade-off analysis, Aspire has instructed Sedgman to proceed with Stage 2 of the FEED study, with the aim of refining the concept level designs and producing more accurate capital and operating cost estimates.
Sustainable materials handling options
Sustainability and reduced environmental impacts are high priorities in evaluating the possible concepts and as such, the concepts to be pursued in Stage 2 include:
- Reflux classifiers for fine and ultrafine coal recovery to remove the need for use and storage of flotation chemicals onsite.
- Filter press technology to maximise water recovery and reuse and avoid the use of a tailings settlement pond.
- Enclosing ROM delivery and product stockpiling facilities, for containment of dust potentially generated during all weather conditions.
- Use of mechanised and automated coal handling systems enabling product trucks to be loaded quickly, weighted accurately and without any requirement for mobile equipment, significantly reducing diesel consumption and emissions.
Stage 2 of the FEED study is expected to be completed within the December 2021 quarter.
About Aspire Mining
Aspire Mining is 100% owner of the world-class Ovoot Coking Coal Project, and 90% owner of the Nuurstei Coking Coal Project, both located in the Khuvsgul province of northwestern Mongolia.
The company is focused upon engineering, permitting and financing the Ovoot Coking Coal Project with the intention to mine coking coal by open pit, washing it on site then truck washed coking coal to a company-owned terminal facility in Erdenet, and then deliver to customers in China and Russia via the existing Mongolian rail network.