Cosira awarded contract for phase II of Nkomati nickel mine

08 December, 2008

Cosira has been awarded a phase 2 contract for the fabrication, supply and construction of the crushing and milling plant at the Nkomati nickel mine near Badplaas in Mpumalanga.

This is according to Managing Director of the Cosira Group, John da Silva.

“This will be the second phase of the construction project taking place, and Cosira is very pleased to have been awarded this successive contract, following our successful completion of the earlier phase one portion undertaken last year,” comments Da Silva.

“For phase two, we have been tasked with the manufacture of approximately 750 tonnes of platework and 750 tonnes of structural steel, which will be used in the crushing and milling plant on the mine.

We will also complete the site construction, as well as the installation of the mechanical components. In certain instances, we will supply specialised products required for the project such as liner plate,” he explains.

Process plant design specialists DRA Minerals Projects announced the contracts in the first quarter of 2008; and Cosira has commenced with the detailing for the fabrication stage. The project is scheduled to reach completion by April, 2009.

“Although we already have had a very productive and successful experience with phase one of the Nkomati project, we are not underestimating some of the challenges that the Nkomati mine may present. In particular, we are mindful of the limitations and difficulties of working on the area's very hilly terrain. However, with the skill and dedication of our team, and our previous success at Nkomati, we are confident that this second phase of the project will also reach completion smoothly and on schedule,” concludes Da Silva.