ASX-listed bauxite hopeful Lindian Resources has snared the services of 45-year bauxite and alumina veteran, Yves Occello, appointing him as a Non-Executive Director as the company looks to beef up its board to execute a plan to advance its high-grade Gaoual conglomerate bauxite project in Guinea towards production. Occello has been a Director of Compagnie de Bauxite de Guinee, Guinea’s largest bauxite producer for the past 30 years.
Perth-based Lindian this month released a maiden indicated high-grade and readily mineable surface bauxite resource for the Bouba conglomerate bauxite plateau at its Gaoual project.
The impressive resource now stands at 83.8 million tonnes going 51.17 per cent alumina, using a grade cut-off of 45 per cent. A resource estimation for the neighbouring Mamaya plateau is also in progress.
The Gaoual project area is located within a known bauxite province and close to major bauxite mining operations with significant infrastructure, making it possible, according to Lindian, to develop a relatively rapid pathway to market for the ore, particularly given the desire of the Guinean Government for “mutualisation of infrastructure”.
Occello, whose expertise Lindian says is well recognised within China’s bauxite and alumina industry, brings a wealth of industry experience to Lindian at this pivotal time in Gaoual’s development. He has held multiple senior positions with heavy hitters in the bauxite and alumina world, including as the COO of Pechiney’s bauxite and alumina division and Technical Projects Director at Alcan and Rio Tinto Alcan.
Occello has also been on the boards of a number of significant companies, including Alufer Mining, the first junior miner to build and start bauxite operations in Guinea, and Aluminium of Greece, one of Europe’s largest alumina refinery and aluminium smelting complexes.
Lindian Chairman, Asimwe Kabunga said: “Yves’s comprehensive understanding of global bauxite resources and operations, combined with his exceptional experience within Guinea, will be invaluable in guiding and advising the company as it executes its growth strategy.”
“His excellent reputation within the alumina industry in China and his understanding of that country’s bauxite product needs is a distinct advantage for Lindian as we advance our projects.”
Gaoual’s alumina grade is comparable with big bauxite mines in Australia, including Weipa in Queensland and Gove in the Northern Territory, which are among the world’s highest-grade deposits, averaging between 49 and 53 per cent alumina, according to Geoscience Australia.
Interestingly, the project’s Bouba resource contains higher levels of silica than other bauxites in the region. However, metallurgical testwork on mineralised material shows that most of the silica present is predominantly fine-grained quartz and Lindian says simple screening may significantly reduce the reactive silica content and effectively raise the alumina content with minimal loss of tonnage.
Occello is also the founder and Chief Executive of alumina and bauxite technology firm, IB2 SAS.
Lindian is currently searching for an MD to take the Gaoual project forward. If it can find another player with similar bauxite and or market credentials to Occello’s, the company will take on an entirely different complexion as it seeks to monetise its unusually high-grade bauxite resource.
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By Matt Birney
