Name of the Project
Cummins Range rare earths project.
Location
Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Project Owner/s
RareX.
Project Description
An enhanced scoping study has proposed a three-stage development approach for the project, with the Stage 1 direct shipping ore (DSO) operation expected to produce 300 000 t/y of phosphate over a three-year period.
The Stage 2 project will entail the installation of a midsized beneficiation plant to produce 550 000 t/y of phosphate/rare-earth minerals concentrate from the weathered resource.
Stage 3 involves the upgrade of the Stage 2 plant in Year 13 of operations to produce a concentrate from unweathered, fresh rock below 130 m.
The project will have an 18-year mine life.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Stage 2 has a pretax net present value of A$549-million and an internal rate of return of 39%, with a payback of 1.41 years. Stage 1 has a payback if 1.65 years and Stage 2 has a payback
1.69 years.
Capital Expenditure
Stage 1 has an estimated capital cost of A$45-million.
Stage 2 is estimated at A$304-million.
Stage 3 will require a further investment of A$63-million.
A mine closure cost of A$41-million has been allocated at the end of Stage 3.
Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.
Latest Developments
None stated.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
RareX, tel +61 8 6383 6593 or email info@rarex.com.au.