MOZAMBIQUE – The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF) plans to lend US$30 million to Irish mining company, Kenmare Resources Plc, as part of the financing of a US$145 million expansion at the company’s Moma Mine in Mozambique.
The loan has a five-year term and is designated to meet the cost of the new infrastructure needed to move heavy equipment and provide electricity at the company’s new location.
Kenmare Resources plc is one of EAIF’s longest established commercial relationships. The Fund has supported the business for many years.
“Kenmare Resources is buoyant and successful. Its new investment provides long-term job security for the workforce, extends the benefits Mozambique’s national finances enjoy from the company’s activities and brings new energy and transport infrastructure into the public realm.” says Martijn Proos of EAIF’s fund managers, Investec Asset Management.
“We are delighted to once again help Mozambique foster its economic and social stability,”
Kenmare has established a reputation for supporting and initiating economic and social development programmes. Since 2004, the range and quality of the domestic infrastructure has steadily improved.
All the villages in the area are now electrified, water access has been upgraded and mobile phone coverage is now universal. Primary schools have been built in 80% of the villages and in 2018 a vocational training centre opened.
Three-year strategic investment plans in economic development, education, health and education programmes are agreed through extensive consultation with communities.
Kenmare Resources plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Euronext Dublin. Of its 1,433 employees, 1,398 are permanent staff based at the Mozambique location. 95% of employees are Mozambican nationals.
Moma produces ilmenite, rutile and zircon, raw materials used in the production of ceramics, paint and a variety of household goods. Kenmare sends its output from its own nearby port on the Mozambique coast to customers in 15 countries worldwide.
The company’s new investment will see it complete one production site, open a new site at its current concession at Namalope and open up much larger new concession at Pilivili, some 20 km away.
The overall aim of the business strategy is achieving an hourly production increase from 2,000 tonnes to 2,400 tonnes. The Moma Mine is estimated to have 100 years of reserves.
One of the company’s giant earth-moving machines, a Wet Concentrator Plant (WCP) is to be moved 20km on a new, purpose-built road and over a newly constructed causeway across the River Mualadi to Pilvili.
Investment in the Pilivili site will include other new production equipment and new energy infrastructure, which will also benefit adjacent villages.
Around 540 people are expected to be employed in the construction phases at both sites.
