Just noticed MAK quarterly report is out which contains a bit of...

Just noticed MAK quarterly report is out which contains a bit of info on Walvis Bay. Trying to read behind the lines, in the absence of the imminent scoping study, it appears that everything is encouraging and that trial mining may be very close. (Also looks like MAK are trying to generate work for their dry kiln investment which is fair enough). I presume UCL will have a report out soon. A section from MAK's follows:

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SCOPING STUDY
The JV is finalising its Scoping Study for a rock phosphate dredge mining, beneficiation and export operation.
Progress on various aspects of this Study are as follows:
i) Processing
A draft of the report into beneficiation has been received and indicates ready upgrading to around 28% P2O5 and removal of unwanted material to tailings. The Study is now addressing layout design, CAPEX and OPEX for a beneficiation plant.
Chemical testwork has confirmed that the concentrate can make phosacid or SSP.

ii) Land and Water Access
Fresh water rights and land allocation for a processing plant has been approved in principle by the Walvis Bay Municipality, subject to finalisation of specific
requirements.

iii) Marine Mining
Preferred methods of dredge mining and screening have been determined.

iv) Shore Transfer, Port and Bulk Handling
A low cost method for shore slurry transfer has been determined. The initial deposition sites for a slurry holding pond and transfer pipeline have been agreed and
operation principles have been approved by Namport.

v) Dry Kiln Phosphoric Acid
JDCPhosphate has reviewed the chemistry of the Namibian phosphate and advised its apparent suitability for its dry kiln process. A bulk sample is expected to be collected during October and sent to Florida for testwork.

vi) Environment
A draft report on the environmental risk assessment has been received. A baseline study on samples from the northern end of the main mineralised area is under way
as part of the Scoping Study and to support a Mining Lease Application.

vii) Bulk Sampling
Work is progressing on evaluating various options for a bulk sample or trial mining operation.