Potash Sintoukola: an investment of $ 50 million
Congo could become by 2018 the largest potash producer in Africa like North America
The project sylvite - the name of a component of potash - was presented April 18 in Brazzaville, Minister of State, Coordinator of the Cluster of basic infrastructure, Isidore Mvouba. Estimated at 804 million tonnes of potash or more, the site is located in Kouilou, 10 km north of Kayes-Madingo. Thirty-six holes have already been made.
Studies have confirmed a deposit at shallow depth, extensive and high grade. According Sintoukola Potash, the homogeneity of the extent of sylvite allows a traditional underground mining with low operating costs. The company, which has an exploration permit for a 436.5 km ² with the Kola deposit in the northeastern part of the project area, plans to renew it by next month. Then she plans to file an application for an operating license by the end of the year.
The second phase of the study of the project will expand the activities within the scope of the permit. It will open the opportunity to Congo to become a major player in the field of potash.
The average consumption of potash has grown steadily by 5.2% per year between 2002 -2007, 2010-2014 forecasts are 4.5% per year, with the main drivers of demand: the growth of world population , reduction of arable land per capita, changing diets and increasing alternative fuels.
The target markets are China, Brazil and India. Indeed, Brazil is the second largest importer in the world and its imports are on the increase. To serve these markets, the project is already considering a treatment plant using conventional techniques operating producing 2 million tonnes per annum in nominal output.
Infrastructure must be built to facilitate the removal of ore mined, including road transport on dedicated lanes with road trains using high-capacity type in Australia. A jetty will be installed Tchiboula, adjacent to the settlements for transshipments.
Instead of keeping strips of salt on the ground, the company has chosen to reject brines in the ocean. She said the environmental impact is minimal. The project would generate jobs for about 800 people. Currently 82 people work in Pointe-Noire and the Kola camp.
The company Sintoukola Potash Ltd holds an exploration license since 2009. Its capital is divided between Elemental Minerals, institutions and Congolese MGM Tanaka Resources. Elemental Minerals owns the majority of the shares; this development company is exclusively dedicated to the potash project Sintoukola.
Note that the presentation of the project was attended by the ministers involved in the implementation. Thus, the Minister of Mines and Geology, Pierre Oba, assured the partners that have raised administrative constraints may delay the project.
"The presence of many ministers illustrates the importance and value the government attaches to the project. This explains his cross. Our partners have no trouble to do. We will take all provisions, go to the ground, "he concluded.
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