Northern Minerals (ASX: NTU) has awarded a $6 million Mining Contract to ASX-listed MACA Limited (ASX:MLD) as part fo the Browns Range Pilot Plant project. The mining fleet will mobilise in June 2017 with mining of 180,000t of ore (enough for 3 years) to be mined in a six-month campaign and stockpiled.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mining contract for Browns Range Heavy Rare Earth Pilot Plant Project
- Mining of 180,000 tonnes of ore and associated waste to be undertaken in single mining campaign, with ore stockpiled for treatment
- Fleet to be mobilised in June 2017
Australian heavy rare earths developer, Northern Minerals Limited (ASX: NTU) is pleased to announce ASX-listed MACA Limited (MACA) (ASX: MLD), has been awarded the contract for mining for the Browns Range Pilot Plant in northern Western Australia.
Under the $6 million Mining Agreement, MACA will mine 180,000 tonnes of ore and associated waste from the Wolverine and Gambit West pits. The agreement in relation to bulk earthworks is also near signing with MACA and will take the total value to $10m. Waste material will be used to construct the tailings storage facility and other surface infrastructure. MACA will clear the processing plant site and construct internal road access.
This Mining Agreement & the Bulk Earthworks Agreement will form part of the Sinosteel MECC lead contractor agreement signed on 19 December 2016 which includes a deferred payment of 20% for all works undertaken by the lead contractor Sinosteel MECC including the mining & bulk earthworks.
Mining will be undertaken in a single campaign, with all ore stockpiled ahead of the three-year pilot plant phase.
Mr George Bauk, Northern Minerals’ Managing Director and CEO, said: “Following the Board approval of the Browns Range Pilot Plant, the appointment of MACA as our mining partner ensures that everything will be in place ahead of the plant installation in late 2017.
“MACA is a quality contractor with a very good industry reputation for reliability and experience. We are proud to be partnering with them for Browns Range.”