Sheffield Resources Limited has reported that the construction on the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project is approaching 90% completion and on track to begin commissioning in the second half of 2023.
Spirals, wet high-intensity magnet separators (WHIMS), piping, electrical, and mechanical systems, among other significant Wet Concentrate Plant and Concentrate Upgrade Plant components, have all been gradually installed, and the process plant is on pace to be finished according to the schedule. The tailings storage facility and stormwater storage pond are nearly finished, and sealing of the 30km mine access road has begun and is expected to be completed within the next several weeks.
Waste mining operations have begun with preliminary clearing and grubbing, as well as the removal of topsoil for waste stockpiles. Continued waste mining will allow mining contractor Piacentini & Son to access the beginning pit area in Q3 2023. Piacentini & Son’s Dry Mining Unit (DMU) construction is proceeding as planned, with shipment to the site slated for the next quarter.
“We are extremely pleased by the efforts of the Kimberley Mineral Sands team, supported by their contractors, to maintain Thunderbird construction on schedule. As construction approaches 90% complete, KMS construction expenditures remain within the planned funding envelope $484m, which is an outstanding achievement. KMS are well positioned to start commissioning during the second half of 2023, and we look forward to the forecast first shipment of product in Q1 2024,” Sheffield Resources Executive Chair Bruce Griffin said.
