Originally posted by Cashmeoutside
Link below. Not of major significance but interesting nonetheless. Over 1000km from T3 and Ghanzi to Walvis bay. Trucking costs would be around US$100/t of concentrate or around US$300/t of Cu or 14c/lb (assuming 33% con grades).. rail would be less than half the cost of trucking I feel. PS - They did use US17c/lb transport costs in the PFS which seems light on considering this includes shipping from walvis bay to China..
Just like grid power a rail project will make this project just that bit more attractive / profitable. Wouldn’t expect anything to happen near term mind you...
https://southerntimesafrica.com/site/news/botswana-namibia-railway-project-roars-back-to-life
There is also suggestion in there about it helping copper exports out of Botswana. I bring it up mainly due to a few pot stirrers on the MTR forum regularly suggesting that a mining license for MOD is not a given.
In my opinion the Botwana government has nothing to gain and everything to lose if they choose not to grant a license.
I have seen or read nothing that would suggest mining could be denied, and on the contrary continue to see indications like this that the government absolutely wants to develop a copper industry in Botswana.
MOD should definitely extend encouragement towards the rail project getting started.
Another selling point for potential M&A, particularly if the project and mine life grows and this could be an asset down the line.
Thanks for posting the article cash.