half-century potential for mineral sand mine

Half-century potential for mineral sand mine
By DEAN LAWSON

A multi-million dollar mineral sand mine and separation plant proposed for Drung South near Horsham might have a life span of up to 50 years if it goes ahead as planned.

Initial estimates were that the project might create 1000 jobs for more than 25 years but Australian Zircon WIM 150 project director George Widelski said from Melbourne that plans were for a ‘large and long term’ project that would have a profound impact on the region.

Mr Widelski added that the State Government had nominated WIM 150 as a major development project.

“It is very exciting. We’re looking at potentially 30, 40 or 50 years of operation. It’s a large project that won’t be ‘here today and gone tomorrow’ like some mining operations,” he said.

“The government has nominated it as a major project and they are keen to help wherever they can. That doesn’t mean there will be any shortcuts, but they can see the benefits – for the region especially.

“Twenty years is a good life for a mine. It’s long enough to get it up and running and to pay off financiers. We’ve just completed another round of drilling and will release another resource statement in a couple of months. It will be big.”

Mr Widelski said the project was on schedule to present a Bankable Feasibility Study to potential financiers by the middle of the year.

He said the study, based on a broad range of technical and financial factors, would present an outline of the project’s commercial viability. It was also running alongside research for an Environmental Effects Statement.

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