Sheffield Resources (ASX:SFX) has resumed mining and processing operations at the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine in Western Australia after a temporary suspension due to Cyclone Zelia. The company confirmed that forecast ilmenite and zircon concentrate production estimates for the March 2025 quarter remain unchanged, in line with prior guidance.
Thunderbird, operated by Kimberley Mineral Sands (KMS), is a 50:50 joint venture between Sheffield and Yansteel. The mine is one of the largest and highest-grade mineral sands discoveries in the past 30 years, producing zircon and ilmenite concentrates suited for use in titanium dioxide pigment manufacturing.
Sheffield Resources is focused on developing a global portfolio of mineral sands assets. In addition to its 50% stake in Thunderbird, the company holds a 10% interest in AIM-listed Capital Metals Plc (AIM:CMET), the owner of the Taprobane Mineral Sands Project in Sri Lanka. Sheffield also has an option to acquire up to 20% of the South Atlantic Mineral Sands Project in Brazil, subject to staged investment conditions.
Yansteel, Sheffield’s joint venture partner, is a subsidiary of Tangshan Yanshan Iron & Steel Co. Ltd, a privately owned Chinese steel manufacturer with an annual production capacity of 10 million tonnes and revenue of approximately A$6 billion. Under an offtake agreement, Yansteel’s 500,000-tonne-per-year titanium slag smelter will process magnetic concentrate from Thunderbird’s Stage 1 production.
Sheffield has reaffirmed its long-term strategy to supply high-quality mineral sands to global markets, highlighting Thunderbird’s strategic location and robust operational outlook.
