Operations

Dikulushi

The Dikulushi copper and silver mine was established in 2002 – Anvil’s first mining operation.

Fast Facts

Dikulushi Mineral Resource table at May 2009.

^{(1) The Mineral Resource estimate is calculated as at May 2009 and is based on geologically controlled interpretations of copper mineralised zones, defined by intersections from RC and Diamond drill holes, and augmented by information from open pit mining and underground development.  Cu and Ag grades have been interpolated, using ordinary kriging with appropriate parameters into a 3D cell model, constrained by wire frames of the interpretation.  Resource tonnages and grades are reported using a 1.5% Cu cut-off and represent the remaining estimated resources as at December 2008.  The Mineral Resources at the Dikulushi mine are reported in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.  The May 2009 estimate accounts for mining depletion up to Q4 2008 when the operation was placed under care and maintenance.}

Copper and Silver Production

The table below outlines production for the twelve month financial periods ending December 31, 2008, 2007and 2006.

^{(1) Feed to the plant iwas sourced from the Run-of-Mine stockpiles of blended high-grade and low-grade ore during the transition to underground mining which commenced during the fourth quarter of 2007.}

More Information

Outlook - What's New?

Dikulushi Mine (90%)

In Q4 2008 Anvil placed Dikulushi mine on care and maintenance

In view of the current low copper price and higher operating costs, Anvil has begun in early December 2008, the process of suspending concentrate production, postponing underground development work and initiating a care and maintenance program at its Dikulushi mine.  Care and maintenance includes plant shutdown, a continuation of pumping of the underground workings, ongoing plant and equipment maintenance, site security and community relations.

The Company owns the plant, supporting facilities and critical equipment at Dikulushi and as a consequence, the costs associated with the suspension of operations are largely confined to demobilisation of the underground mining contractor and staff redundancies.  Also, operations at Dikulushi can be readily recommenced, the timing of which is primarily dependent on the mobilisation of required staff.

DRC Government Review of Mining Agreements

In January 2009, the Company announced that it had reached agreement with Gécamines and the DRC Government on the terms of its Kinsevere "Contrat d'Amodiation" (Lease Agreement) and the Dikulushi Mining Convention.  The Company and Gécamines have signed an amendment agreement for the Kinsevere Lease Agreement and the Company has been formally notified by Gécamines and the DRC Government that the commercial terms and conditions of the Dikulushi Mining Convention remain unchanged.