Iron men

It’s not work for the faint-hearted but Bellzone has iron-ore exploration in its blood and keeps breathing new life into the industry with a potent combination of traditional knowledge, reliable systems and space-age wizardry.

There is an ancient saying in mining and, roughly translated, it goes something like this. ‘God’s earth will yield willingly, provided you are willing to put in the work’. It is this philosophy, along with modern practices and considerable patience that means Bellzone will stay at the top for many years to come. It’s just as well—they’ve meticulously planned every step of the next decade and beyond.

The drilling fields

Bellzone Mining Plc—an exploration and resource development—was founded by Nik Zuks only three years ago, but already it has some big ambitions, which it is determined to realise. The company has already secured iron ore, nickel and copper permits in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa and these credentials have helped to guide the company’s early fortunes, as they establish the most lucrative areas for its operations.

At the moment it is involved with the vital first phase in Forécariah, with initial production due for the first quarter of 2012. It has jointly funded the venture, which involves carrying out accelerated investigative activity, 30 and 80 kames from the Guinea coast. Projections suggest that there will be a production rate of three to four mtpa of oxide ore, soaring to a rate of 10 mtpa in 2013.

In addition the company’s promising project at the Kalia Mine is due to produce 20 million tonnes of iron-ore per annum in 2014, expanding to a capacity of a whopping 50 million tons per annum in 2018. Drilling results and internal estimates indicate that the project has the potential to host more than 10 billion tonnes of magnetite and two billion tonnes of oxide. The massive quantities also make the fledgling company any extremely good prospect for investment, especially at these early stages.

Chief Financial Officer Terry Larkan explains the impressive figures: “We have a 50 per cent commitment to the current mission at Forécariah, which has a total capital expenditure of $208 million. Our Kalia project will see us committing an even greater capital expenditure programme of $2 billion.”

Another massive investment, which commences now, and runs through to 2018, will commit in excess of $3 billion to construct a revolutionary, commercially operated railway and port in Guinea for the export of bulk commodities such as iron ore. The facility will transform the lives of thousands in the area.

Scanners

Recently, the company has completed a highly sophisticated mapping and surface sampling programme, identifying prospective nickel and copper projects. An aerial survey is also currently being conducted to further define areas for a targeted drilling programme. These techniques will eradicate the time consuming practice of drilling at random, or on a hunch. By carryout research thoroughly and reducing risk the yields will also be significantly higher.

Further afield, Bellzone has acquired the rights to buy 70 per cent of whale from Compagnie Miniere de L’Ouest Africain in South Africa. It is undertaking geological studies on the tenements which could be iron ore rich.

Larkan reflects that although they are a very young company, an adventurous approach will pay dividends. “We have not been around long, but have proved that our strategies for structuring, engagement with community, environmental considerations and a safe working ethos have formed the company culture and proved it has very solid foundations.”

“There is a real sense of pride combined with huge excitement as we progress towards our targets. We have worked very hard and the next ten years will be the most important in the life cycle of the company,” he added

Patriotic personnel

Bellzone is proudly Africa centric. The majority of the workforce—which has ballooned from three to 200 in less than 36 months—and all assets are based in Africa. As the company grows so will its presence and the aim is to gain status as one of the top iron-ore outfits in Africa.

The entire leadership team has extensive experience of mining all over the continent and a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges, opportunities and advantages in all conditions within the region. The melting pot of talent is another example of the company’s determination to be prepared for every eventuality by using the finest manpower, technology and knowledge in the industry.

As well as the deals that are already on the table, the team are constantly on the lookout for further projects throughout Africa and over the next few years will provide the foundations for the next half century.

When billions come into the equation, whether it is dollars or tonnes, it is surely proof that young companies can think big too. Naturally, Bellzone are in it for the long haul—quite literally. 

www.bellzone.com.au

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg | NewsVine | Mixx | FaceBook | Twitter