New Century Resources is on track to restart operations at the Century Mine, turning it into the world’s fifth-biggest source of zinc. The first shipment is set for August.
Located 250km from Mt Isa in Queensland, the mine originally began production in 1999 and was closed by the previous owner MMG in 2016, producing and processing an average of 475,00otpa zinc concentrate and 50,000tpa lead concentrates. Throughout this time the product was transferred in a slurry form via a 304km underground pipeline to Century’s Port facility at Karumba before it was shipped off to smelters in Europe and Asia.
“New Century continues strong progress towards restarting Century operations,” the company said in a statement earlier this week.
“Planned refurbishment activities are on a budget and to schedule, which is around 95 per cent complete,” they announced.
“The restarted mine is also predicted to continue regional benefits through to 2050 and beyond”, New Century Resources said.
The key developments during June included mining high voltage electrical, civils and slurry winning sump earthworks completed, with ongoing mining equipment deliveries to site, alongside Hydrostatic testing and water commissioning well underway at the Century Processing Plant.
In terms of support services throughout last month, there were up to 290 staff and contractors on site undertaking refurbishment and commissioning activities, all accommodated within the New Century camp.
Century restart remains on track for first production in August 2018.