Vol. No. Vol. 2218No. 27 27
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Wednesday, January 13, 2020 2016 Wednesday, March 11,
“
Even though I had so many people around me it still felt so lonely
“
– Karen Sanderson
SURVIVOR: Wimmera Health Care Group oncology nurse Karen Sanderson went from caring for cancer patients to battling the disease herself. This year will mark 20 years she has supported Relay for Life. She provides insight into her own personal battle on page 9. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Dooen mine closer G
BY DEAN LAWSON
overnment approval and financial backing are all that remain in providing the green light for a full-scale mineral-sands mine near Dooen north-east of Horsham.
Mining company WIM Resource is preparing work towards gaining approvals through an Environmental Effects Statement and securing finances based on a bankable feasibility study. The overall process is likely to take about two years, which keeps the
project on schedule for a 2022-2023 mining-operation start. Predictions are that the Avonbank mine, which has an estimated lifespan of about 30 years, will generate millions of dollars for the Horsham district economy. It is one of four of the world’s largest proposed sand-mining projects within a 70-kilometre radius of Horsham. WIM Resource project manager Michael Winternitz said the company had completed its Avonbank test-pit project where results had confirmed the site appropriate for establishing a long-term mine and separation plant.
“One of the primary aims of the pilot test pit and separation plant was to confirm we can separate heavy minerals from the ore,” he said. “We have found we can do that very well and with good efficiencies while producing consistently high concentrates. “This augurs very well for the project moving forward. “We’ve also done quite a few environmental studies to understand soils and groundwater. We have also done geotechnical studying to ensure the land can settle and rehabilitate as quickly as possible.
“This has been very positive and something we will continue to monitor for the next six months. “The test pit has been very valuable in informing the bankable feasibility study – enabling the company to confidently seek finance for the project. “The company has also established a community reference group including a wide range of community stakeholders to allow for a free flow of information. “Subject to approvals and finance, the timeline of 2022-2023 for fullscale mining is on track.” WIM Resource constructed the
Avonbank pilot plant last year and started processing ore in September. The process involved feeding about 10,000 tonnes of ore through the process plant to produce heavy-mineral concentrate for further testing in China. “We’ve been employing a local crew to man the plant and we are pleased to have been able to use existing skills in Horsham. We will be able to do that in the future for the mine proper as well,” Mr Winternitz said. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • ‘Eyesore’ to community hub • Juniors key to contest success • Football-netball countdown
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