Perth-based resource company Kangaroo Metals Ltd has commenced mining and processing operations at the Riverside ton mine in northeast Tasmania.
Modifications of the mobile plant to increase throughput are expected to be completed by June 29 with full production to commence June 30. Further stepwise changes to workflow will be implemented to increase efficiencies and throughput over the coming months.
The initial minor modifications will eliminate more oversized material and will see the throughput of the plant increased from 100m3/h to over 250m3/h to allow for increased production in the coming months.
Trial mining of a small area of the indicated resource has confirmed the grades found during bulk sampling. Mining operations currently underway will generate an 8,000m3 stockpile of alluvium ready for treatment to place the plant in full production at the completion of the modifications. Two tonnes of high-grade cassiterite concentrate have
already been produced during testing and await shipping.
Kangaroo Metals has selected Thaisarco to smelt the concentrate with the initial shipment of ten (10) tonnes of cassiterite expected in July.
Production costs, derived from trial mining of 2,000m3, are estimated at $3.34 per cubic metre (mined and processed for shipping).
"KML is extremely happy with the progress and efficiencies implemented so far, and the strategies identified to increase production in a controlled stepwise manner. We look forward to the site entering full production in ten days time and our first shipment," managing director Brett Teale said.