(Ecofin Agency) - Randgold Resources announced yesterday June 11, it will soon complete the feasibility study on its Massawa gold project in Senegal and make a development decision by the end of this year.  

Speaking during an inspection visit, CEO Mark Bristow (photo) indicated that the latest test work showed that 75% of the mine's ore reserves could be processed by the simple and inexpensive leach method, “overcoming the obstacle initially presented by the project’s complex metallurgy”.

The remaining 25% should be produced at the end of the mine’s life, either through the "BIOX process" or sold as concentrate to a specialized processing plant. “Continuing exploration was focused on expanding Massawa reserve, and while it is still short of Randgold’s 3Moz minimum requirement, the project’s other metrics are positive” said Joel Holliday, Exploration General Manager

Let’s note that a government commission has been appointed to oversee the project’s licensing and development protocols, and a public consultation process will begin next month. An environmental and social impact assessment should be submitted next July. The company also operates in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and DR Congo.

Louis-Nino Kansoun