Rome Resources has launched a small-scale tin mining initiative at its Kalayi project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This initiative is part of a strategy to convert the existing small-scale exploitation permit (PEPM 13274) into a full mining licence, aligning with the company’s goal of eventually increasing its stake in the project to around 79%.
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The programme aims to fulfil regulatory requirements necessary for the permit conversion. This development is set to not only advance Rome Resources’ ownership interests but also enhance the project’s appeal to potential partners.
It is also expected to produce geological and metallurgical data, aiding in further resource assessments.
Initial reports from the site indicate promising results, with portable XRF readings showing up to 17% tin in the mineralised zones.
Mining operations are focused on extracting shallow tin-bearing material, particularly in areas where previous trenching was conducted. A small washing plant is expected to be utilised, and the resulting tin concentrate, estimated to be between 60% and 80%, will be sold through the state facility at Walikale.
These activities are expected to provide modest revenue, although the primary aim remains regulatory and data collection.
Rome Resources continues to generate interest from strategic partners, with the mining licence advance and increased ownership potentially strengthening these discussions.
Rome Resources CEO Paul Barrett said: “The early XRF readings from the entrance to the adit are encouraging and consistent with what we have seen from surface trenching in this part of the deposit.
“We are pursuing increased ownership, inter alia, of the Kalayi project because we believe in this asset. The exploration work completed to date, and what we are now seeing in the mineralised zone, gives us that conviction.”
The Kalayi deposit consists of steeply dipping cassiterite-bearing quartz veins, with the mining programme targeting these shallow, mineral-rich areas.
Operations involve driving a mining adit into the mineralised zone and are designed to verify surface continuity of tin mineralisation. The programme will also facilitate additional metallurgical tests, contributing to a better understanding of the vein system.
Throughout the project, health and safety, along with environmental considerations, remain a priority. Site supervisors will ensure adherence to safety protocols during the mining operations.
