Name of the Project
Wickepin kaolin project.

Location
Near Wickepin, 220 km south-east of Perth, in Western Australia.

Project Owner/s
WA Kaolin.

Project Description
Wickepin is one of the biggest known remaining premium primary resources of kaolin globally and is characterised by its purity, quality and brightness.

The project currently comprises mineral resources of 644.5-million tonnes of high-grade premium kaolinised granite.

The project contains 30.5-million tonnes of kaolinised granite reserves within the mining lease, delivering a 31-year mine life.

Stage 1 is designed to develop a kaolin processing plant with a production capacity of about 200 000 t/y.

Stage 2 will increase production from 200 000 t/y to 400  000 t/y, with further modular increases to capacity to be implemented in line with market demand and funding capability.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project has a net present value, at a 7% discount rate, of $257-million and an internal rate of return of 47%.

Capital Expenditure
Stage 1 capital expenditure is estimated at $18.07-million, with an additional $13.57-million for Stage 2.

Planned Start/End Date
Full production at the Wickepin project is targeted for before the end of the second quarter of 2022.

Latest Developments
WA Kaolin has signed a three-year offtake agreement with a Vietnamese distributor.

Under the terms of the offtake agreement, WA Kaolin is to supply 4 500 t/y, with a minimum 2 500 t/y, for three years, starting in July of this year.

Pricing for the agreement will be competitive to the world kaolin market, delivered on a cost-and-freight basis, and pricing of at least the minimum quantity will be negotiated on a quarterly basis through mutual negotiation and agreement.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
AUSPAN (building works).

Contact Details for Project Information
WA Kaolin, tel +61 8 9439 6300 or email asorensen@wakaolin.com.au.