Keysbrook project on schedule: MZI

MZI Resources says development of its flagship Keysbrook mineral sands project near Serpentine is on track at 44 per cent completion as of the end of March, with first sales on schedule for early 2016.

In a statement, MZI said construction at Keysbrook was focused on establishing the site access road and general bulk earthworks at the plant site, including excavation of the process water dams.

“At the mineral separation plant, owned by Doray Mineral Sands, where MZI is expanding the existing facility, construction activities have focused on establishing concrete footings for the new building extension and the erection of steelwork associated with a new dust management facility,” MZI said.

Procurement of long lead items was also on track at Keysbrook, while recruitment of site-based employees began this month.

Managing director Trevor Matthews said it was a great achievement to be almost halfway through the project’s development in only four months.

“We have been fortunate to have a high level of involvement from local businesses, which has been good for both the project and local community,” he said.

“The Keysbrook mine is in an enviable location and we are seeing good performance from our contractors and a very high calibre of candidates in our recruiting processes as a result.”

The project is on track to begin commissioning in November, with first sales expected in early 2016, producing over 95,000 tonnes of leucoxene and zircon products per annum.

MZI shares were up 16.2 per cent to 43 cents per share at 1pm.