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The country’s first paste backfill plant, a critical component has been commissioned at Rosh Pinah Zinc’s RP2.0 expansion project.
According to Rosh, and its investment advisor, Appian, the development marks a significant milestone for RPZ and the country’s mining industry.
“The facility allows safe and efficient backfilling of underground stopes, reducing mining dilution, decreasing the volume of tailings deposited at surface and enabling improved ore recovery.
“RPZ has invested in training and developing the local workforce to operate and maintain the plant, further helping to embed durable technical expertise within the country,” said the company.
The RP2.0 expansion project comprises further development of the underground mine, including a newly developed portal and decline to access extended underground deposits, enabling efficient extraction of ore from current and future orebodies on strike and down dip, as well as the construction of new surface facilities, including new paste fill, processing, including a new SAG mill and water treatment plants.
In parallel, RPZ is undertaking an extensive diamond drilling program aimed at expanding its mineral resource base and extending the mine’s Life of Mine (LoM).
The program includes the capital replacement of in-house diamond drill rigs and more than 80km of drilling through 2027, encompassing infill, step-out and regional exploration drilling. Results to date have been encouraging, reinforcing the opportunity for further resource expansion and long-term value creation beyond RP2.0.
“Commissioning the paste fill plant represents another major step forward for RP2.0. These facilities enhance the efficiency and sustainability of our operations. With construction now more than 85 percent complete, we are firmly on track, on schedule and on budget to deliver the RP2.0 expansion safely and responsibly.
“In parallel, our exploration program is delivering encouraging results, reinforcing the strong growth potential of RPZ as we continue to build a larger, longer-life operation,” said Alex Mayrick, General Manager, Rosh Pinah Zinc.
Meanwhile Ignacio Bustamante, Head of Base Metals at Appian said the commissioning of the paste fill plant demonstrates RPZ’s ability to execute on key milestones and deliver modern, sustainable infrastructure.
“This achievement further strengthens RPZ’s operational foundation as we approach the final phases of construction. The ongoing exploration success highlights the upside potential beyond RP2.0, supporting long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”
