Significant Milestone for Kenmare Resources at Moma Mine
Kenmare Resources plc is excited to announce that its first new high-capacity dredge has safely arrived at the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine, located in northern Mozambique. This event marks a pivotal point in the ongoing upgrade of Kenmare’s most significant mining facility, Wet Concentrator Plant (WCP) A.
Chief Operations Officer's Insights
In a statement reflecting on this achievement, Ben Baxter, the Chief Operations Officer of Kenmare, said, "The safe beach landing of the first of the two new, high-capacity dredges signifies a crucial milestone in the WCP A upgrade project. This development signals an exciting phase as we proceed with the commissioning of the dredges and the enhanced plant. We are on track to commence transitioning to the Nataka ore zone by the fourth quarter, and I am pleased with the notable progress we've made on site. We will continue to keep the market updated as we advance this project throughout the year."
Overview of the Newly Fabricated Dredges
The new dredges, each weighing 1,160 tonnes, were designed and constructed by Royal IHC in the Netherlands. To put this into perspective, each dredge is akin to more than 80 double-decker buses and measures 62 meters in length, which is almost as long as a jumbo jet. Additionally, they boast a width of 19 meters and a height of 18 meters.
Transport Journey to Mozambique
The journey of the dredges from the Netherlands to Mozambique began via sea on June 4, 2025. They were transported by Roll Group on a specialized heavy load carrier vessel and successfully anchored to the north of Moma on July 4. The first dredge was carefully landed at a designated beach area approximately two kilometers from Moma’s port facilities on July 18.
Upcoming Plans for the Second Dredge
The arrival of the second dredge is anticipated in the coming weeks. Once both dredges are in place, Kenmare will transport them to the staging pond using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs)—the same type of transport used during the successful relocation of WCP B back in 2020. In addition, the new feed preparation module, another critical component of the upgrade project, is currently being assembled in the staging pond alongside the dredges.
Detailed Sequence of the Upgrade Work
As the largest mining plant operated by Kenmare, WCP A is presently engaged in mining adjacent to the staging pond. Upon completing the dredges' installation and the feed preparation module assembly, the staging pond will be flooded. This will allow the existing dredges to mine through the wall separating it from WCP A’s current mining pond. Subsequently, the current dredges will be detached while the new ones will be floated into their operational positions and connected to WCP A. This upgrade is projected to commence in the third quarter, aiming for completion within three to four weeks.
The Transition to the Nataka Ore Zone
After the upgrade, WCP A plans to shift from its current mining site in Namalope to the Nataka ore zone. This transition is expected to last approximately 18 months and is critical, as Nataka constitutes the largest ore zone within Moma's reserves, accounting for about 70% of its nine billion tonnes of Mineral Resources. The WCP A operation is slated to extract from the Nataka zone for more than 20 years, securing a steady production flow from Moma for decades to come.
Contact Information for Inquiries
If you require further details regarding this announcement or the operations at Kenmare Resources, please get in touch with:
Kenmare Resources plc
Katharine Sutton
Investor Relations
ir@kenmareresources.com
Tel: +353 1 671 0411
Mob: +353 87 663 0875
Murray (PR advisor)
Nicola Cooke
ncooke@murraygroup.ie
Tel: +353 1 498 0300
Mob: +353 87 780 6125
About Kenmare Resources
Kenmare Resources plc stands as one of the globe's premier producers of titanium minerals. The company, publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange as well as on Euronext Dublin, operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Mozambique. The production output from Moma accounts for nearly 6% of worldwide titanium feedstocks, with Kenmare providing essential materials to clients across more than 15 different countries. Their products are extensively used in everyday items like paints, plastics, and ceramic tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of the new dredges for Kenmare Resources?
The new dredges will enhance operational efficiency, allowing for a greater extraction capacity and improving the overall productivity of the Moma Mine.
When will the second dredge arrive at Moma?
The second dredge is expected to arrive in the coming weeks following the successful landing of the first dredge.
What is the significance of the Nataka ore zone for Kenmare?
Nataka is vital for Kenmare as it represents a major portion of its mineral resources, ensuring long-term production capabilities at the Moma Mine.
Who can I contact for more information about Kenmare's operations?
For inquiries, you can contact Katharine Sutton in Investor Relations or Nicola Cooke, the PR advisor, via the provided emails.
How will the upgrade work affect current operations at the Moma Mine?
The upgrades are designed to scale up operations, with planned transitions that will enhance efficiency while continuing to meet production goals.
