Regarding HEMI, I thought the idea of a long settlement during the takeover by NST, from maybe December 2024 to May 2025, was to ensure that the environmental approvals were locked in, before the final documents were signed into law?
And yet I can't recall any environmental approvals being announced at HEMI?
Is there still a production 'cloud' over the project?
Development Timeline for Hemi Project
While specific development timelines were not outlined in the acquisition announcement, bringing the Hemi project from exploration success to producing mine involves several critical phases:
- Resource definition and expansion (12-18 months): Further drilling to upgrade resource classification
- Feasibility studies (12-24 months): Technical and economic assessments
- Permitting and approvals (12-18 months): Environmental and regulatory clearances
- Construction (24-36 months): Development of mine infrastructure
- Commissioning and ramp-up (6-12 months): Achieving commercial production
Based on industry benchmarks for similar-scale projects, Hemi could potentially enter production within 5-7 years, though Northern Star's experience in mine development could potentially accelerate this timeline, according to Northern Star's acquisition announcement.
The project will require significant capital investment, estimated by industry analysts at A$1.5-2 billion, to develop the mine, processing facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
'HEMI could potentially enter production within 5-7 years, though Northern Star's experience in mine development could potentially accelerate this timeline'
So HEMI will not generate any income for NST, until 2030-32!
https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/northern-star-de-grey-mining-acquisition-2025/
(20min delay)