Development of Axis – Axis Minerals

AXIS engaged HOWE Engineering India Pvt Ltd (HOWE) to carry out the design of the stockpile, jetty and conveyor belt (ore handling system) and to evaluate the costs.

In the first engineering phase, the design required topographic surveys to be carried out from the Koniokhoure deposit (near the mine site) to the Baralande stockpile (located near the jetty). Two options for transporting bauxite ore
were considered from Koniokhoure to the Baralande stockpile, including transport by cable car (ROP WAY) and by road.

Detailed topographical surveys were carried out by the Guinean Bureau of Engineering (BGI) which revealed that if the cable transport option

were adopted, the length would be 28 km compared to road transport which is 30 km. After obtaining its exploration permit in September 2013, Axis Minerals conducted geological research work on its entire permit which led to the discovery

sufficient resources to undertake the technical studies necessary for the evacuation of the ore. These are among others:

The pre-feasibility study on ore removal logistics by Royal Hashkoning during the second half of 2014;

– Environmental and social impact studies from September 2014 to November 2015;

– Bathymetry on the Fatala River: from May 19 to June 2, 2015;

– Road Topography and Geotechnics in the portarea from July to September 2015.

These studies were followed by those of the feasibility of the various components of the project.

After obtaining authorization from the ministry in charge of public works, the first phase of construction work on began in November 2015. Axis Minerals mine is now in operation and has exported millions of tons of bauxite since 2020.

Axis Minerals mine is 30km away from the port making it a strategic location in regards to the transport of ore.