Name of the Project
Saint Elmo vanadium project.

Location
North-west Queensland, Australia.

Project Owner/s
Multicom Resources.

Project Description
The project is expected to initially produce up to 5 000 t/y of vanadium pentoxide, using shallow 20 m to 40 m opencut strip mining with sequential mining, backfilling and rehabilitation of disturbed areas. The project will ultimately be expanded to 20 000 t/y.

The beneficiation circuit is a very simple circuit comprising an ore feeder, combined scrubber and trommel screen, screening, cyclone sizing and thickening.

The process plant will use proven technology, which involves pressure/temperature leaching, followed by the traditional vanadium pentoxide recovery process, including solvent extraction, desilication, ammonium metavanadate precipitation and de-ammoniation.

The project has a mine life of at least 30 years.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create up to 250 direct employment opportunities at peak construction.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
A$250-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction is planned to start in 2022, with first production forecast for late 2023.

Latest Developments
The project was approved by the Queensland government in September 2021.

In February 2020, the project was declared a prescribed project, so that the Queensland Coordinator-General could streamline approvals and fast-track the delivery of the project.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Multicom Resources, tel +61 7 3155 4223 or email  info@mcres.com.au.