Mammoet to move 7,000t mining plant in Mozambique

Mozambique-focused titanium minerals producer Kenmare Resources plc has awarded Mammoet, the global leader in engineered heavy lifting and transport, with a contract to relocate one of its wet concentrator plants. The mining plant and its dredge will be moved from its current mining location in Namalope to a new high-grade ore zone in Pilivili, at the Moma Mine located on the northeast coast of Mozambique.

The plant, consisting of a 1,700t floating dredge and a 7,000t Wet Concentrator Plant (known as WCP B), measuring 80m long, 24 m high, and 60 m wide, will be transported using SPMTs over a purpose-built road. The road is 23 km long and 66m wide, with a weight-bearing capacity of 8.4 t/m2 and a maximum inclination of 2.5º, which will allow for the 60m-wide plant to be safely transported.

“This is a unique move in Africa and requires special handling to ensure the plant is transported efficiently and safely. We are proud to be part of this project and excited to have the opportunity to contribute to Mozambique’s growing mining industry”, said Henry Viljoen, Manager of Sales Mammoet Southern Africa.

The Moma Mine is one of the largest titanium minerals deposits in the world and when is it operating at its targeted production capacity following the relocation, Kenmare will be responsible for approximately 10% of the global supply of titanium feedstocks.

The WCP B move supports continued production from the Mine, which provides export and tax revenues, technology transfer and infrastructure development for Mozambique. The project will improve access to electricity, water supply and telecommunications for people living in the Pilivili communities.