Sand-mine project gains momentum
Construction of a proposed world-class mineralsand mine northeast of Horsham is on schedule to start in 20222023, pending planning, environmental and board approvals.
Horsham mining company WIM Resource has confirmed it is pushing strongly ahead with the 30-year Avonbank project and has announced updated development details.
The company is preparing to establish a multi-million-dollar test pit and pilot study near Dooen, as part of its resource development studies – which will provide a snapshot of operations and reflect commitment to the overall project. It will be the first mineral-sand pilot plant since WIM 150 at Drung in the 1980s.
The test pit and pilot study, which will form a major part of a banking feasibility study for the overall mining operation, will start next month.
WIM Resource project manager and senior geologist Michael Winternitz said the project had reached an advanced and exciting stage.
“The test pit and modular pilot plant represents a significant financial undertaking by the company and as a real sign that we’re serious about bringing this project into production,” he said.
“We also see it as a final de-risking for a bankable feasibility study.
“The pilot study is essential for us to confirm recovery and product quality of our concentrates.”
Mr Winternitz stressed this would be a major economic development project.
“The overall project is probably the third biggest of its type in the world,” he said.
“Horsham has a significant project on its doorstep and the WIM Resource board considers the people of Horsham major community shareholders – given the major employment and economic stimulus the project would bring.”
WIM Resource expects both construction and operational project stages to lead to several hundred full-time jobs. It plans to employ its workforce from Horsham and the Wimmera.
WIM Resource has analysed the potential of the Avonbank Project near Jung for the past six years, having defined a Joint Ore Reserve Committee compliant reserve of about 300-million tonnes of ore – ‘which reflects a very high level of geological, technical and commercial confidence’.
Mr Winternitz said pre-feasibility studies last year had produced positive results, indicating the sand mine in the area had significant commercial and technical merit. This had led to the company board approving that the project proceeds to a bankable feasibility study stage.
He said the company had started an approvals process and launched a raft of environmental studies, which were likely to take two years to complete, and would concentrate heavily on community engagement.
The overall mine area covers 2500 hectares, is 15 kilometres from Horsham and bisects the Wimmera Highway.
Mr Winternitz said WIM Resource would employ a rapid-rehabilitation or moving-hole concept, to ensure land was returned to its previous use as soon as possible and has started detailed soil studies.
Notable landmarks in the area include Longerenong College and Wimmera Intermodal Freight Hub, which have been excluded from the proposed mine area. The company has earmarked the freight hub to play a major role in project development.
Mr Winternitz added the company had been involved in detailed discussions with all stakeholders.
He also stressed that WIM Resource was driven strongly to become a major global player in mineral sands.
“We’re a little different from other industry players when it comes to fine-grain mineral sands,” he said.
“We’ve probably done more in the past six years than some others have in the past 30 and have made some significant advancement. We’re quite serious about bringing the project online and get it working.”
Mr Winternitz encouraged interested people to register for updates via website www.wimresource.com.au.