Alkane in solid progress in its largest zirconia project

Jan. 23, 2010
Alkane Resources has outlined progress on its three major projects which are expected to be developed into mines over the next couple of years, including one zirconia project in the central west of NSW.
The Dubbo Zirconia Project (DZP) is the world's largest in ground resource of zirconium and some rare earth elements. At the base case throughput of 200,000 tonnes per annum of zirconia, production would represent 7 per cent of world demand and have a mine life of over 200 years.
The Demonstration Pilot Plant (DPP) has been operating since 2008 and has proven the flow sheet for the DZP.
The first light rare earth and yttrium-heavy rare earth products were produced from the DPP during the Quarter. Data from the DPP and Letters of Intent from future customers will be incorporated in the current Definitive Feasibility Study. A development decision is anticipated late 2010, with production possible early 2012.