- One of the final testwork packages for the process de-risking of the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for Hazelwood’s 100% owned Big Hill Tungsten Deposit has commenced.
- Hazelwood’s integrated Pre-feasibility Study for the Big Hill Tungsten Deposit in Western Australia was completed in 2010, providing a compelling case for the development of Big Hill as a source of feedstock for its majority owned ATC Ferrotungsten Project.
- Approximately $11m was invested by Hazelwood to deliver the Pre-feasibility Study, which resulted in a 12 year operational life and a robust processing route supported by extensive pilot and laboratory scale testwork. Estimates for the Pre-feasibility Study were to +/-25% accuracy, in contrast to the Definitive Feasibility Study which is seeking +/-10% accuracy.
- Over the course of the pilot processing trials on Big Hill Tungsten Ore, exceptionally pure coarse tungsten concentrate assaying up to 77% WO3 was generated with low levels of penalty elements. The concentrate can be won with simple gravity processing.
- To satisfactorily proceed through to detailed engineering, which is a requirement for the DFS, comprehensive final testwork programs will generate final design criteria and further reduce the technical risk. Permitting is being progressed during the DFS in this proven mining district located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
- Approximately 60 tonnes of excavated ore and large diameter metallurgical core has been utilised during Hazelwood’s own testwork programs. Tungsten concentrates were sold from small scale mines adjacent to Big Hill within Hazelwood’s extensive Cookes Creek project area during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Hazelwood’s majority owned ATC Ferrotungsten Project in Vietnam, which commenced construction in May 2010 is nearing practical completion, with first production anticipated over the coming months. Vertical integration with Hazelwood’s Australian tungsten assets is considered a long- term value driver for the Company.
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