Feasibility study for Limestone Export Terminal – Kazakhstan

Feasibility study to increase capacity of Limestone Export Terminal

MHC was involved in a feasibility study concerning an increase of capacity of a limestone export terminal. The company Mechstroyservice (MSS) is running a limestone quarry near Bautino port along the Caspian Sea in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The limestone is transported in trucks to the port and loaded into barges. The barges are transported to the oilfields, at a distance of approximately 300-400 km from the port, for the production of artificial islands. Here, the barges are unloaded using an excavator. The 2008 production of the quarry was about 2 million tonne, all used for the production of the islands.

The present logistical process from quarry operation to barge loading is analyzed and bottlenecks limiting the increase of productivity figures are highlighted. Several alternative logistical processes are described with their advantages and disadvantages. The most promising alternatives were worked out in more detail, including a list of required infrastructure and equipment with an investment cost and operational cost estimate.

Services provided by MHC are:

• Feasibility study with the following sub-tasks:
  • Development of possible transport and handling scenarios.
  • The preparation of lay-out sketches showing the main elements of the facilities for each scenario.
  • The preparation of a list of required infrastructure and equipment at the facilities including throughput rates, handling rates, and stockpile sizes etc.
  • Preparation of a rough cost estimate for all facilities (both investment cost and operational cost).

Client

Witteveen+Bos

Location

Bautino Port, Kazakhstan

Year

2009