Name of the Project
Beyondie sulphate of potash project (BSoPP).
Location
Western Australia.
Client
Kalium Lakes Limited (KLL).
Project Description
The front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the Beyondie has delivered even further improved production and financial outcomes, including:
• a 10% increase in the production rate, from 82 000 t/y of sulphate of potash (SoP) in the September 2018 bankable feasibility study (BFS) to an estimated 90 000 t/y Stage 1 SoP facility, ramping up to a 180 000 t/y full-scale facility (BFS 164 000 t/y) proposed in the FEED;
• an overall system potassium recovery improvement from 72% to 91%, as a result of debottlenecking of the process plant and an increase in the potassium recovery from the flotation tails stream; and
• a decrease in the total evaporation pond size from 445 ha to 399 ha.
The initial mine life is estimated at more than 30 years and up to 50 years.
The SoP product quality has remained the same, at a premium 51% to 52% potassium oxide, with negligible chloride and minimal insoluble material.
Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create 130 jobs during construction, 45 jobs during operation and produce a crucial fertiliser to support Australia’s farmers and strengthen food security.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
The project’s pretax net present value has increased from of A$575-million, at an 8% discount rate in the BFS, to A$606-million in the FEED, while the internal rate of return of has decreased from 20.4% 20.3%.
The September 2018 BFS estimated an initial payback of seven years.
Value
Preproduction capital for Stage 1 has increased from A$159.6-million in the DFS to A$216-million in the FEED.
Duration
Commissioning and ramp-up to nameplate throughput is expected in 2020.
Latest Developments
Independent reviews initiated by the banks have been completed and confirmed the DFS and FEED outcomes.
With FEED work now complete, Kalium Lakes is progressing towards completion of all financing tasks and a final investment decision in the second quarter of 2019.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
KLL (DFS), K-UTEC, DRA Global, Advisian, Shawmac, Wyntak and Preston Consulting (principal technical consultants and FEED); RSM, DLA Piper Australia, HopgoodGanim Lawyers and BurnVoir Corporate Finance (accounting, legal, commercial and financial advisers).
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
KLL, tel +61 8 9240 3200 or email info@kaliumlakes.com.au.