Feasibility studies

Our team have the specialist expertise to take your project through to scoping, pre-feasibility and feasibility study level. Our blend of know-how, together with the innovative application of advanced mining and extraction technologies, has ensured widespread acceptance of our feasibility studies by the mining, banking and investment communities. We are the ‘one stop shop’ when it comes to feasibility studies, with the depth and diversity to deliver the complete package. Many of our staff and Associates are eligible to sign off on technical reports as Qualified / Competent Persons.

We combine geological modelling, mine planning and an in-house mechanical and electrical engineering team with support from a dedicated project controls team. This partnership ensures our plans are technically feasible, practically executable and financially viable.

Scoping or Conceptual Studies

Our scoping or conceptual studies for the proposed project provide probable type of mining operation and its scale, potential for the delineation of resources capable of supporting a mine, likely markets, key project risks and economic viability.

Pre-Feasibility

Tanka also conducts pre-feasibility studies for mining projects which includes preliminary mine planning and engineering evaluations based on the likely conversion of the mineral resources delineated during exploration into possible mining reserves.

Our study process covers:

• Assessing reserves and saleable product from the delineated resources
• Generic mine design
• Non-detailed, staged life of mine planning and production scheduling
• Assessing the mining methods, treatment routes and identifying cut-off factors, recoveries, dilution and losses in both mining and treatment
• Outlining probable plant, infrastructure, services and other facilities
• Producing a summary development structure and timetable
• Determining capital and operating costs
• Evaluating the specification and marketability of the commodity
• Setting up the deterministic economic evaluation model
• Determining financial viability.

Feasibility Studies

Tanka will also manage and coordinate comprehensive final or definitive feasibility studies that provide detailed cost estimates to bankable standards of +/- 10–15 per cent and a formal technical risk assessment.

Our study process covers:

• Establishing the proven and probable reserves
• Assessing project alternatives and selecting the desired development route
• Proving the technical viability of the mine and extraction methods
• Defining the mine’s plant, equipment and infrastructure requirements and capacities
• Establishing resource consent and other legal/governmental conditions and requirements for approvals to proceed
• Defining the management control and timing of the project development and construction
• Defining the commissioning of the project, recruiting and training of the management team and crew and hand over at the conclusion of construction
• Estimating the development, capital and operating costs of the mine over the economic life of the resource
• Identifying the market for the commodity
• Assessing project risk areas, economic sensitivity to those areas and action that may be used if the risk becomes a problem
• Completing economic assessments of the selected project configurations
• Developing financial models
• Setting a framework for the implementation of the capital investment in the mine development phase.

Geology

Tanka provide a full range of mineral exploration services for greenfield to mining projects, utilizing our technical and project management expertise. Tanka provides expert advice on exploration strategy and programmes including geological mapping, core logging, sampling, mineralogical analysis and the supervision of drilling programmes. We also undertake geological interpretation, geostatistics, resource modelling, grade estimation, resource classification and reporting services in accordance with JORC, NI 43-101 and SAMREC. We have worked on mineral exploration projects worldwide covering a wide variety of commodities and geological settings.

Early Stage Exploration Management

Tanka Team have many years of experience in the design, implementation and management of exploration programmes, including target generation in greenfield locations. All projects require a unique approach, and we focus on designing the optimal Programme taking into account of site constraints, time and budget.

The following are among the activities undertaken depending on the project requirements and geological setting:

• Compilation of historical exploration and mining data - Any exploration activity starts with proper compilation and review of all historical exploration and any artisanal / small scale mining . This helps is optimizing the future exploration program.
• Satellite image interpretation - Review of all data that can be made available for desktop study including satellite imagery which can guide the future planning.
• Initial site visit - Includes ground truthing of satellite image interpretation (if applicable), initial assessment of target areas and recommendations on the design of the next phase of exploration with a budget for the work.
• Geological mapping - Important in the identification and assessment of target areas and provides an understanding of the lithological and structural controls on mineralization. Mapping of alteration minerals can be completed as part of the geological mapping to provide further evidence of epithermal and porphyry style mineralization.
• Geochemical sampling - Can be utilized as part of regional or small scale target area assessment and provides quantitative data on metal content in the form of laboratory assays. Types of sample include stream sediment samples, soil samples, rock chip samples and channel samples. Anomalous zones provide targets for follow-up exploration, especially if they're coincident with certain lithological and structural features.
• Exploration geophysics - An important tool in many exploration projects, allowing interpretation of surface and sub surface features. Tanka are experienced in the interpretation of gravity, magnetic, radiometric and electrical data.

Detailed Exploration Management

Tanka’s Team have been involved in many detailed exploration programmes involving drilling in greenfield areas. This has covered geological control and management of all major types of drilling, including diamond core drilling, reverse circulation (RC) drilling and auger drilling. We are well qualified to advise on all aspects of drilling and trenching programmes, including the following:

• Programme design - optimal drilling and development locations. Drill hole dip and azimuth, type of drilling, drill hole spacing. Production of sections during the planning stage and to display results on completion.
• Geological analysis - Geological mapping and logging including analysis of lithologies, alteration, mineralization and structural features.
• Sampling procedures and recommendations on laboratory procedures
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures
• Drilling Management – Identification of Drilling Machine, technical evaluation, Supervision and overall management of drilling Program.

Resources Estimation

Estimation of a mineral resource is the starting point to successful mine development. A reliable estimate combines good quality and relevant data, competent geological interpretation and a methodology for producing from that data and interpretation, a reliable representation of the mineralized deposit, its geometry, its grade distribution, its metallurgical variability and its density. Tanka have extensive experience in estimating, auditing, and reviewing Mineral Resources and reporting to recognized international reporting codes (e.g. JORC, CIM, SAMREC etc.) appropriate to the jurisdiction and as required by the client. Our key services include:

• Optimisation of drill hole targeting for resource definition
• Exploration and database management
• Creation of 2D and 3D geological, structural and mineralisation models
• Statistical and geostatistical analyses
• Resource estimation, classification and reporting for all stages of projects
• Review of geological interpretations and resource estimates
• Metal accounting and production reconciliations

Mining

Tanka have a wealth of knowledge of alluvial, open pit and underground mines, and have completed projects worldwide on various commodities in many geological settings. We can provide professional, multidisciplinary services to support all aspects of mine development, from exploration and feasibility through to design, contract negotiations, construction supervision, mine management, operational assistance and training. . We are well qualified to advise on all aspects of mining, including the following:

• Mining methods – Review of geological settings and recommendation of optimal mining method for a particular deposit.
• Cost estimation - Cost estimation for planned and existing mining operations including capital and operating costs, Life-of-Mine Cashflow Estimation/Analysis.
• Geological control of mining – mine planning wr.t to geological control involving structural mapping at project, pit and face scale, grade control sampling and reconciliation with the resource models.
• Mine design and mine planning - Optimum Mine and Mill Lifecycle Production Rate Analysis, Production Scheduling and Strategic Planning (Short and Long Range), Waste and Stockpile Storage Facility Design and Sequencing, Mine Equipment Evaluation, Selection, and Fleet Requirement Estimation

Mineral Processing

Tanka can assist with metallurgical sample selection, test work program management or supervision, flowsheet development, process plant design, and more. Acting as owner representatives, we strive to ensure suitable test programs are conducted on appropriate metallurgical samples and that the maximum value is extracted by the process. Our team can interpret available test work results and develop process engineering packages for studies and projects. Selecting and optimizing the appropriate metallurgical process is an essential part of any mining project and Tanka has the required expertise to manage or assist during this stage. We have a high level of expertise and cover the full range of ore types and processing techniques. Tanka have worked on many projects worldwide and offer a comprehensive metallurgy and mineral processing service.

• Design and management of metallurgical testwork programmes – review of the ore mineralisation design of the test program, assistance in sampling, evaluation of the phase wise test results and fine tuning, overall management of the test program
• Process Design – Evaluation of the test results and process route identification, Flow sheet development including mass balance, Process equipment sizing, Process control philosophy preparation.
• Process plant Management – Coordination with process equipment suppliers, finalization of the process equipment specification, supply chain management.
• Process optimization – review of existing process and optimization, troubleshooting and upgradation of the system.

Engineering Services

Tanka engineers can provide a range of engineering services in the field of mechanical, electrical and Civil engineering. Tanka’s In house team and its affiliates have wide experience in the design of the turnkey projects compiling to Indian and different internal standards. Tanka can also assist client in overall Project and Construction Management services. Our range of services include

• Mechanical - Equipment sizing as per finalized process flow scheme, Identification and coordination with vendors, Finalization of the Specification, Review of the Mechanical Design and GA Drawings, interface with civil and Electrical departments.
• Electrical – Load list and Single Line Diagram preparation, Transformer Sizing, Cable sizing, PMCC Panel design, PLC and Automation Design, Supervision of Electrical, Instrumentation and automation works.
• Civil & Structural – Foundation Design, Structural design for equipment supports, Tank / bin / hopper design and detailing, Chute designs, Structural design and detailing for process buildings.
• Project Management – Project Scheduling and supply chain management, Procurement services, Coordination with different verticals, Site work management, Cost control.