EPCM in remote Papua New Guinea

The Tolukuma gold mine and process plant is located in the highlands of Papua New Guinea approximately 45 minutes by air northwest of Port Moresby.  There is no vehicular access to the mine and transportation to and from the site is by air.  The process plant incorporates grinding, gravity extraction, leaching, electrowinning, tailing thickening and filtration, as well as cyanide destruction.

Our scope included:

• The review of the metallurgical test results and development of the preliminary flowsheet and mass balance
• Final flowsheet and process development
• Detailed engineering design including civil design
• Assistance with procurement of engineering and construction
• Process plant commissioning and operator training.

Project Highlights

• High gold grade, low plant throughput tonnage
• Remote site, access/transportation during construction by helicopter only.  Difficult construction logistics
• Limited area to locate process plant on a steep, high-rainfall site
• Plant is operated well above design capacity.