On July 25, the floor of -830mL chamber was finally exposed, indicating the successful completion of drainage at open pit of Dikulushi Copper Mine, which laid a solid foundation for production recovery.
Dikulushi Copper Mine in DRC holds great significance for JCHX’s resources development, and pit drainage is crucial for the production recovery. To this end, prompt equipment installation & commissioning and timely completion of drainage are quite pivotal.
Timely delivery of multiple batches of equipment and materials were completed against all odds amidst continuous heavy rain in March 2021 thanks to the joint efforts made by the project.
Drainage process was extremely challenged by the rapid refill of rain water in the pit and awfully muddy and slippery site. In particular, the connection of hose and steel pipe had to be done in water. Despite of such difficulties, both Chinese workers and DRC workers united together and managed to complete equipment installation on schedule, enabling the commencement of drainage on April 6.
Without any chance of catching a break, the team came across another problem: 3# pump failed to be started during operation even though it was successfully commissioned the day before. Various measures were taken but none of them worked. After rigorous checking, it was found that the pump was jammed, which required to be dismantled, repaired and re-installed. However, in the absence of large lifting facilities or special tools, the team had to brainstorm and try other possible means such as rowing boats, filling puddles and damming, through which the pump was finally re-started successfully.
Drainage was conducted for 110 days in total, however the process was hampered once in a while due to higher pressure as the water level decreasing and pump head increasing, hoses burst happened for 21 times and 14 of them were replaced, not to mention such replacement were done either on the cliff or in cold water. Impressively, drainage was completed successfully while ensuring construction safety under the strengthened management of the project.
Production recovery is around the corner as drainage coming to an end. All members on site will work together with enthusiasm to realize production in time.
