Name of the Project
Sulphur Springs copper/zinc project.

Location
The Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Client
Venturex Resources.

Project Description
The project has proven and probable reserves of 8.49-million tonnes grading 1.4% copper, 3.1% zinc and 14.3 g/t silver.

A definitive feasibility study (DFS) on Sulphur Springs has confirmed the project’s potential strong financial and technical merits based on a 1.25-million-tonne-a-year openpit and underground development.

The project will deliver average production of about 65 000 t/y of 25% copper concentrate (about 15 000 t/y copper payable metal) and 75 000 t/y of 50% zinc concentrate (about 35 000 t/y zinc payable metal).

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The net present value, at an 8% discount rate, is A$472-million and the internal rate of return is 51%, with a payback of 43 months.

Value
Preproduction capital is estimated at A$146-million.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The Venturex board has approved the DFS and, subject to obtaining a suitable project finance package, the board will make a final investment decision. It is expected that construction will start shortly after project financing has been completed.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Lycopodium (process plant infrastructure and nonprocess infrastructure); Lycopo-dium and Australian Laboratory Services (metallurgical testwork); Mil Min (geology and resources); Entech  (mining, mine design and ore reserves); Knight Piesold (tailings management facility and geotechnical work); and Entech and BurnVoir Corporate Finance (financial modelling).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Venturex Resources, tel +61 8 6389 7400 or email admin@venturexresources.com.