BCL Makes Hay While The Sun Shines

By Lekopanye Mooketsi
Correspondent | Monday July 12, 2010 00:00

 

Base metals have recovered above their pre-recession levels, supported by lower stockpiles at the London Metals Exchange and resurgent demand from China.

BCL Mine processed 2.4 million tonnes of ore last year, raising its production from the 2008 figure of 2.3 million tonnes despite the adverse effects of the recession. This year, the mine is targeting 2.76 million tonnes of ore.

Ore production levels have declined in 1996 to 2004, picking up slightly before dropping again towards 2008. Since 2008, however, BCL Mine's A Re Chencheng policy has seen production rise annually.

As quoted by the mine's in-house publication, Maitiso, Acting Divisional Manager (Ore Production) Mack William said the Selebi-Phikwe mainstay had embarked on a strategic review in the first quarter, aimed at enhancing production.

'The initiatives that have been implemented include reducing costs and increasing production with resources we currently have in order to make the business sustain itself for now while more reserves are still being delineated,' William concludes. 'When you increase volumes with the current resources, the cost reduces as well because there will be more volume produced at the same cost.'

BCL Mine's costs will also be assisted by a staff rationalisation exercise that could result in 93 jobs being phased out. For the first quarter, William said, ore production declined by six percent against target, or 39 501 tonnes. However, some operations such as South East Extension were able to decrease their unit operating cost by increasing production. The Extension increased ore production from 1, 250 tons to 1, 450 tons daily.

The Divisional Manager stated that where safety is concerned, February 2010 was a bad month as it registered a higher frequency of life-threatening incidents. He said solutions for this would include addressing all safety shortfalls and stressing adherence to safety standards and procedures.

'Employees should not compromise safety for production,' William said. 'We will review monthly performance against previous performance for the same month and address the fall of ground incidents to achieve zero injuries.

 'We would like to ensure positive outcomes by accelerating underground mining development programmes, improving development efficiency, optimising cooling of the shafts and developing more ore reserves.'