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New Lynas rare earths processing plant awarded major project status
ynas Corporation has been awarded major project status by the Australian Government to establish its new rare earths processing plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. The Lynas project will be a foundation for the development of infrastructure in Kalgoorlie, including utilities and the production of chemicals used in minerals processing beyond the rare earths industry. The project aligns with key government policies, including regional development, value“Developing a robust and resilient critical minerals and Rare Earths industry is a priority for the Australian Government and Lynas is in a unique position to contribute to this as we are the only significant Rare Earths producer outside China,” said Lynas CEO & managing director, Amanda Lacaze. “Lynas will be making a significant investment in Kalgoorlie and the Government’s assistance with coordinating and facilitating approvals added processing and infrastructure development. Lynas selected Kalgoorlie for its close proximity to its mine at Mt Weld as well as a skilled workforce and a rich history in the mining and processing industries.
“Lynas is the only significant rare earths producer outside China” The company has signed an option to sublease an industrial zoned property from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Mount Weld’s rare earth concentrate is currently exported to Malaysia for processing at the company’s plant in Kuantan, but the new cracking and leaching plant is seen as a further step in delivering the Australian government’s critical minerals strategy.
will be very helpful as the project progresses.” In December it was announced that the project has been awarded lead agency status by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. The Department will provide Lynas with project advice as well as assistance with managing and coordinating approvals within the project’s timeframes. The Kalgoorlie plant is expected to be operational in early 2023.
New Century Resources delivers record production
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ew Century Resources reported a December 2019 quarter average mining rate of 8.3Mtpa, with a progressive ramp up during the quarter resulting in a current mining rate of 8.9Mtpa going into January 2020. Expansion to 12Mtpa is proceeding as planned over the next two quarters. Overall zinc metal output increased by 7% during the December quarter, with 28,123t of zinc metal produced. The quarter also saw a 3% decrease in direct costs (C1 costs) quarter-on-quarter. The company
expects a further step change in operational performance in the March 2020 quarter from the commissioning of the rougher circuit upgrade. New Century anticipates continued reduction in C1 costs during the March 2020 quarter, via increased metal production from the upgraded rougher circuit, which provides more efficient utilisation of the fixed cost base of operations. Treatment charges are also anticipated to reduce in the medium term in line with increasing zinc smelter output, particularly in China.
World Mining Magazine www.ogsmag.com
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