MBE has provided an initial plant design based on analysis of the physical and coking properties of an indicative bulk sample from the Nuurstei project. Based on this analysis, MBE has estimated a capital cost of US$10 – US$12 million for the plant as well as foundations, piping and materials handling. This estimate is preliminary and subject to potential design changes once additional washability testwork has been conducted over the course of 2017.

The company is in a discussion with a potential contractor based solution where the contractor will provide the wash plant at Nuurstei on a toll treatment basis.

In addition, FMS, the preferred sub-contractor for the Nuurstei project, has provided a desk top analysis of the cost of associated infrastructure required to establish an operation at Nuurstei. These activities include:

  • Heavy equipment workshop/warehouse.
  • Administration and laboratory.
  • Site Power and water.
  • Road access.

The desk top estimation by FMS is the range of US$5.75 – US$7.75 million with a 10% contingency allowance.