In April 2016, Lycopodium was awarded the EPCM contract for the delivery of Endeavour Mining Corporation’s (Endeavour) 90% owned Houndé project in Burkina Faso, located some 250 km south west of the capital Ouagadougou. With an initial capital cost estimated at $328 million, the project comprised the delivery of a gold processing plant and associated infrastructure, including a fully integrated owner operated mining fleet. The asset is capable of treating 3 Mtpa of gold bearing ore.
Having undertaken the detailed feasibility study and participated in project optimisation reviews, Lycopodium was able to commence detailed engineering immediately with site activities commencing shortly after. Duration for project construction was estimated to be 18 months with Endeavour planning to self-perform the project infrastructure, while Lycopodium focussed primarily on the processing facility and mine services areas.
With the first gold pour occurring in October 2017, Endeavour officially announced to the markets that the mine had been successfully built, ahead of schedule and below budget. Commercial production was announced one month later in November 2017 more than two months ahead of schedule following the rapid construction and ramp-up periods. Nameplate capacity was achieved within weeks following the introduction of ore into the mill.
Not only was construction completed $15 million below the initial budget but an excellent safety record was achieved with no Lost Time Injury occurring over the 7 million manhours worked during the construction period.
