Strandline Resources Limited has announced the completion of its seventh shipment of Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC), as well as the start of the downstream Mineral Separation Plant (MSP).
The MSP separates the HMC into important critical minerals such as zircon, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), and zircon in concentrate product (ZIC) containing monazite rare earths.
The campaign follows the successful modifications to the MSP dust extraction system and numerous other circuits in June 2023, and it will mark a significant milestone in Coburn’s commissioning phase. The improvements have already increased mineral separation efficiency, allowing for the commissioning of the downstream circuits to proceed. Chloride ilmenite product is already being produced and stockpiled steadily, with the emphasis now shifting to the premium zircon and rutile final product streams.
The most recent HMC cargo was ~7,800 tonnes, worth ~A$9.1 million CIF. Since beginning commercial production on 18 November 2022, the Company has shipped a total of ~65,000 tonnes of HMC.
According to Strandline, the shipments generated total revenue of ~A$69 million, providing the Company with operating cash as it continues to commission and ramp up operations at Coburn.
Mining began in the newly developed East Pit B in June, with sand waste (tailings) put into the previously mined void (East Pit A) as part of the mine backfill and rehabilitation operation. Production rates remained constrained throughout the month, owing mostly to the limited availability of Dozer Mining Units and mining plant and equipment. These availability concerns are being addressed with the appropriate contractual partners, and resolution strategies are in place.
As part of the production ramp-up phase, the MSP focuses on improving equipment and plant availability, optimising mine and tails deposition planning, and increasing mineral recoveries in end-product streams.
While the MSP is being commissioned, the Company plans to continue shipping HMC or ZIC products at a pace of one shipment per month (subject to ship charter availability).
As previously stated, Strandline intends to include data on these shipments in its quarterly reports beginning in FY24 as part of its move to producer status.
