Name of the Project
Tampu kaolin project.

Location
Western Australia.

Project Owner/s
Corella Resources.

Project Description
Tampu has the potential to become one of the highest-quality undeveloped kaolin deposits globally to produce high-purity alumina (HPA) and kaolin for the high-end paint, paper coating, top-end ceramic, cosmetic and pharmaceuticals industries. The project has indicated and mineral resources of 24.7-million tonnes, with an estimated 58-year mine life.

Corella’s strategic vision is the production of HPA using its high-quality kaolin as a feedstock. The proposed HPA precursor kaolin processing plant will also produce other products.

Two scenarios have been investigated for the project – a 100%, 200 000 t/y kaolin operation, or a 100%, 40 000 t/y HPA operation.

Plant throughput for both operations is estimated at 400 000 t/y. The kaolin operation will produce 11.2-million tonnes of final product and the HPA operation 2.3-million tonnes of final product.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
At an 8% discount rate, the proposed kaolin operation has a net present value (NPV) estimated at A$1.18-billion, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 78.8% and a payback of 1.6 years.

The HPA operation has an estimated NPV, at an 8% discount rate, of A$4.62-billion and an IRR of 53.8%, with a payback of 2.3 years.

Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure (capex) for the Kaolin operation is estimated at A$121.5-million. The HPA operation has an estimated capex A$735.5-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The product mix and phased scheduling, including capex for all product types, will be a focus of the planned feasibility study that will start in January 2024.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
ERM Australia Consultants trading as Industry Experts CSA Global (scoping study and mineral resource estimate).

Contact Details for Project Information
Corella Resources, tel info@corellaresources.com.au or email info@corellaresources.com.au.