Akora Resources (ASX: AKO) has confirmed it is on target to release a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for its Bekisopa direct shipping ore (DSO) operation in the first quarter of 2025.
Akora is targeting production of up to 2 million tonnes per annum of DSO with an average grade of 60% iron from the Bekisopa project in Madagascar.
The company has identified a market for its high-grade ore with blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace steelmakers.
Akora achieved a number of key milestones during a highly active December quarter that allowed it to complete the PFS, including mineral processing tests performed by Wardell Armstrong International.
Among these were crushing and screening tests conducted on 12 representative feed grade samples from across the Bekisopa deposit.
From an average 62%-iron feed grade, the lump product average grade was 65% iron and accounted for 29% of the product, while the remaining 71% came from fines averaging 61% iron content.
Of the 61 shallow holes previously drilled across Bekisopa’s southern zone, 58 intercepted DSO-grade iron mineralisation.
A geotechnical drilling program of eight holes totalling 400 metres was completed across the southern, central and northern planned DSO pit locations.
Results identified all of the completely and highly weathered rock zones as being amenable to digging or ripping without the need for more expensive drilling and blasting.
Further geotechnical work will continue as part of the PFS on the detailed mine design and pit shell wall angles now that the strength of the Bekisopa host rock has been identified.
The company is expected to achieve further cost savings after completing a road route survey from Bekisopa to Satrokala and from Satrokala to the national highway.
No roadway currently exists for the first 25km section of this route heading outward from the Bekisopa project area.
The newly-proposed route is shorter than initially thought and the chosen crossing location at the Zomandoa River is suitable for a ‘modest’ design causeway crossing—findings that both lend to lower capital cost solutions.
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