Jobs and a new export product are flowing as a $50 million project breathes new life into a former-west Queensland mine.
Australian metal development company New Century Resources officially opened Australia’s largest hydraulic mining operation on 14 September at Lawn Hill.
At full production, the Century Mine is forecast to extract zinc concentrate for export from 15 million tonnes of tailings waste per annum. Phase 1 operations at the mine are now underway and involve the mining and reprocessing of 8 Million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of tailings and production of zinc concentrate which will be exported via the company’s port facility at Karumba.
The Century mine was one of the world’s biggest zinc mines until it ceased production in 2016, but New Century ‘s $50 million investment has breathed new life into the site.
Queensland Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said this model of economic rehabilitation is an exciting new approach to dealing with mine sites once they have concluded their original intended purpose.
“It’s the ultimate recycling story, and a tangible boost and security to the north-west economy, where it’s creating 250 local jobs.”
New Century Resources will be targeting the progressive ramp-up of operations to 15Mtpa via the refurbishment of the northern flotation train and further supporting infrastructure at the Century Mine.
New Century’s Managing Director, Patrick Walta, said the company’s ambition is to be Australia’s premier mining rehabilitation company.
“New Century Resources is dedicated to implementing its economic mine rehabilitation strategy and to establishing a successful business that creates improved environmental outcomes and continued community benefits,” he announced.
“This operation will generate around 250 jobs in north-west Queensland while maintaining a strong connection to the region’s Traditional Owners through ongoing implementation of Native Title Agreements and through the execution of new partnership agreements with the Waanyi People.”
“It also has workers on site, at the Karumba port and in the surrounding supply chain,” Mr Walta said.
First shipments of high-grade zinc concentrate are anticipated to leave the site toward Karumba port, later this year.
More information on the official reopening of the century zinc mine can be found here.
