Simcoa moves on new mine plan

Silicon producer Simcoa is progressing plans to transition to a new mine in the Wheatbelt with up to 2.3 million tonnes of lump quartz amid dwindling resources at its current deposit.

According to documents lodged with the state’s environmental regulator, Simcoa Operations wants approval to clear just over 17 hectares of native vegetation about 17 kilometres north of Moora to make way for the North Kiaka Project.

North Kiaka comprises an above groundwater mine pit spanning 25 hectares, associated infrastructure and a haulage road, which will take one year to construct.

Simcoa anticipates the new mine will support the production of 130,000 tonnes of lump quartz annually over 18 years, with the product to be trucked to its 33-year-old Kemerton smelter north-east of Bunbury. 

Business News understands the silicon producer’s future in the region hinges on the project’s approval, with current estimates indicating the existing mine has about seven years worth of reserves left.

The company hopes to begin construction as early as next year and begin commissioning in 2024, subject to it obtaining the necessary approvals.

The plans have been released for seven days of public consultation, after which time the Environmental Protection Authority is expected to decide what, if any, level of assessment should be undertaken.

Simcoa is currently the country’s only silicon manufacturing company, employing more than 175 people.

About 85 per cent of the 52,000 tonnes of high purity silicon the company produces each year is exported overseas via Fremantle port.