Al Masane Al Kobra Mining Company (Amak), a joint stock company in Saudi Arabia,
 has completed the construction phase of its mine in Najran province.

Arabian American Development Co (ARSD), which owns 37 per cent of Amak, said notice has been issued to the surface facility operator that it will turn the facility over to them to begin operations on November 28.

The mine will produce copper, zinc, gold and silver.
 
Nick Carter, president and chief executive officer, said: "The completion of the construction phase of the mine is a major milestone and signals that we are officially moving into the operating stage. The surface facility operator, China National Geological & Mining Corporation, is currently staffing the facility, training the personnel, and getting ready for the operation, management and maintenance of the surface works of the mine. Between now and November 28, Amak will be completing punch list items and preparing the plant to commence operations."

Carter said: "Underground development work is approaching the stage where sufficient ore will be produced each day to keep the plant running. Additionally, the trucking, logistics, and marketing efforts are nearing completion. It is exciting to see the package coming together on what is essentially a brand new startup venture.

"The ore processing facility is a complex mechanical and chemical operation that will have startup glitches seen typically in the industry, however management is doing all it can to prepare for a smooth transition to steady operations. Amak's staff and board of directors continue to strive toward the goal of operating cash flows beginning in the first or second quarter of  2012," he said.

The Arabian American Development Company owns and operates a petrochemical facility located in southeast Texas just north of Beaumont which specialises in high purity petrochemical solvents and other solvent type manufacturing. -TradeArabia News Service