Subiaco-based Yilgarn Mining Ltd has commenced a scoping study on its Marillana iron ore project in the Pilbara, in line with its recently announced plans to fast track exploration and evaluation activities at the project.
Subiaco-based Yilgarn Mining Ltd has commenced a scoping study on its Marillana iron ore project in the Pilbara, in line with its recently announced plans to fast track exploration and evaluation activities at the project.
The full text of a comapany announcement is pasted below
Yilgarn Mining Limited (ASX Code: YML) is pleased to announce that it has commenced a Scoping Study on its 100%-owned Marillana Iron Ore Project in Western Australia's Pilbara region, in line with its recently announced plans to fast track exploration and evaluation activities at the Project.
The principle scope of works for the Marillana Scoping Study has been awarded to Perth-based project management and engineering services company Engenium, with specialist consultants being utilised to assist with the various option studies and approval processes.
Engenium has extensive experience in the design and engineering of rail and infrastructure solutions for mining operations, project and engineering management (including concept and feasibility studies), engineering services and construction management.
Engenium has a strong track record of experience in the iron ore sector in the Pilbara district, having been awarded scopes of work both by major iron ore producers and junior iron ore developers operating in the region. This depth of engineering experience and professional capability within the iron ore sector was the key reason for Yilgarn's decision to appoint the Company to the role of Study Principal.
The Marillana Scoping Study will commence immediately and is scheduled to be completed during the first Quarter of calendar 2008.
Yilgarn recently announced that it had upgraded its exploration objectives at Marillana following successful resource drilling programs. Drilling is continuing with an initial JORC compliant resource estimate scheduled to be announced in October 2007.
The Company's Board has welcomed the commencement of the Scoping Study, and looks forward to reviewing the deliverables of the various project options for mine development and ore transport/sales alternatives.
The principle environmental scope of works will be managed by specialist consultant group, Ecologia. Other specialist consultants to be utilised in the Scoping Study include Snowden, Ultra-trace (Amdel), Aquaterra and Ammtec Laboratories.
Specialist Iron Ore Project management experience has been incorporated into the Yilgarn owner's team to oversee the development of the Study.
The key deliverables of the Scoping Study, to be managed by a joint Yilgarn Mining owner's team and Engenium are summarised below:
- Geology and Mineral Resources
- Resource Estimate
- Mine Design and Operations
- Ore Transport Logistics
- Infrastructure and General Services
- Construction Facilities
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
- Project Approvals Process
- Land Access and Native Title
- Safety Management
- Human Resources
- Marketing, Products and Iron Ore Pricing
- Project Evaluation - OPEX and CAPEX
- Project Status and Review
- Forward Work Program
Strategic discussions with potential third-party rail and port infrastructure providers have commenced and will continue during the Scoping Study.
The Company looks forward to working with Engenium during the forthcoming months, and is committed to completing the Marillana Iron Ore Project Scoping Study in a timely and cost effective manner.