Matilda to start zircon production at Tiwi Island in Q2

March 25th, 2010
Mineral sands developer Matilda Zircon was on track to start production at its Tiwi Islands zircon project, in the Northern Territory, by the second quarter.
The construction of key mining and processing equipment at the site is now almost completed, with staff and equipment set to be mobilised to the site next month ahead of the proposed start of operations.
As part of its 2010 mine plan, Matilda has introduced a number of enhanced mining and processing methods, which will double plant capacity and reduce operating costs. This includes the introduction of an in-pit mobile slurry unit, and a preconcentrator facility.
The company said on Thursday that the construction of the new slurry unit for the project was also now completed. The unit would be installed on site in early May.
Matilda is also introducing preconcentrator and slurry separation facilities, which would double production capacity from 150 t/h to 300 t/h for the established processing plant.
The facility would be ready for installation on site after the wet season, the company said.
Matilda is aiming to produce about 40 000 t of zircon/rutile rich concentrate by the end of the year.
The company recently finalised a $2,5-million funding package with Hong Kong-based mineral sands processor and distributor Tricoastal Minerals Holdings, which will underpin the development of the Tiwi Island project.
The Tiwi Islands has an estimated measured resource of more than 1,3-million tons at a grade of 3,46% zircon.