PERTH (miningweekly.com) – ASX-listed Northern Minerals is targeting first production from its Browns Range heavy rare earths project by 2016.
The company reported on Tuesday that the project’s prefeasibility study (PFS) would be completed by the end of 2014.
MD George Bauk said that recent developments included more outstanding results from hydrometallurgical testing, as well as progress regarding environmental approvals.
“The final run of the hydromet pilot plant has delivered a further improvement in recoveries, which is building additional value in the project as we move towards development. Our project development work programmes remain on schedule and are backed by our recent funding initiatives. We are now focused on having our feasibility study completed by the end of the year,” Bauk said.
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has also backed the development of the Browns Range project, with EPA chairperson Paul Vogel recommending project approval.
The EPA’s report was currently open for a two-week appeals period, which could close on September 1. Following this, the state Minister for Environment would make a final decision on the project.
Meanwhile, the federal Department of Environment has determined that the project would not need to be assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The Browns Range PFS, which was completed in June this year, estimated that the project would have a net present value of A$446-million. The study was based on a conventional mining operation involving both opencut and underground operation, with the Browns Range expected to deliver some 279 000 kg/y of dysprosium, over a mine life of ten years.
The Western Australian project would require a capital investment of A$314-million.