The leaching conditions during the operation of the pilot plant, to heap leach low grade laterites, were:

Ø             Mass of the ore before leaching: 800t

Ø             Height of the heap: 3m

Ø             Concentration of the sulphuric acid solution: 2N (100g/l)

Ø             Grain size of the ore: -18mm

Ø             Irrigation rate (average): 18m³ /day  (180l/m² * day)

Prior to placement onto the pad, the ore was wetted with water to raise total moisture to about 8-10%. No agglomeration was performed.