Zambia: BMR Mining has identified a new market for Waelz Kiln slag at its operations in Kabwe, Zambia. The ferro-silicate zinc slag can be used for the construction of building blocks. BMR has produced a test batch of building blocks, using an 80:20 ratio of slag to building sand, which has not resulted in the leaching of either lead or zinc.
BMR will submit an application for approval from Zambia's Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to produce the slag for building and concrete production. The company is submitting an Environmental Project Brief, which is less complex than approval for an Environmental Impact Study. The application will be submitted in November 2015 and is expected to be approved by the end of 2015.
Once the company has received approval, BMR aims to sell the slag locally to limit costs. "We therefore anticipate BMR generating revenue in 2016, following receipt of ZEMA approval, from both the processing of Wash Plant Tailings and the Waelz Kiln Slag," said BMR Chairman and CEO Alex Borrelli. BMR assets in Zambia include the Chingola Tailings, Kabwe Tailings and Ndola projects.
