3D Walkabout – 3D Visuals and XR Apps for mining

A feasibility study of Pilbara Minerals’ advanced Tabba Tabba tantalum project near Port Hedland indicates “robust” project viability through low capital and mining costs. The company is now on track to join the ranks of junior miners, with first production forecast for the third quarter of 2014, subject to project funding. The study defined an initial mine life of 19 months producing about 365,000 pounds of tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), within a minimum 5 per cent Ta2O5 concentrate, delivering earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $16 million. Pilbara Minerals chief executive and chief geologist John Young said completion of the feasibility study was a significant milestone. “Based on the results of the study, Pilbara Minerals and its joint venture…

WA Premier and state development minister Colin Barnett has officially opened Rio Tinto’s US$11.6 billion Cape Lambert Wharf B facility off the Pilbara coast, marking the end of the first phase of its expansion. The Cape Lambert port, near Karratha, was initially built to manage 55 million tonnes per annum of iron ore; however the upgrade would push export capacity up to 140mtpa. In conjunction with its Dampier ports, Rio’s iron ore export capacity is now in excess of 290mtpa. According to the ABC the development made Rio’s export system one of the largest in the world – second only to Brazilian giant Vale’s export chain from South America. Mr Barnett congratulated Rio and its ongoing commitment to the WA…

The Queensland Government has allocated $20m to address the loss of up to 1,200 jobs after Glencore announced the closures of its underground copper mine and copper concentrator and the nearby Lady Loretta zinc mine. The fund, part of a $50m support package for Mount Isa, will focus on projects that can start up quickly to create jobs and enhance Mount Isa’s attractiveness as a place to live and work.  The package also includes up to $30m to accelerate resources projects in the North West Minerals Province, led by Queensland Treasury and the state’s department of resources.  Queensland State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace says “when Glencore announced the upcoming closure of these two Mount Isa mines, our government stepped…

GOLD-focussed explorer Ramelius Resources has announced completion of a mineral resource estimate for its Water Tank Hill deposit in WA’s Mount Magnet, with plans to start the mining operation process. The Water Tank Hill satellite deposit, opposite the company’s gold mine, is estimated to contain 63,000 ounces of gold. Together with the St George resource, Ramelius has a total resource of 125,000oz at a grade of 5.2 grams per tonne of gold which can be accessed by the St George decline. “Ramelius believes that there are now sufficient resources within close proximity of the St George decline to justify commencing a mining study to demonstrate the economic viability of a mining operation,” a company statement said. The study for Water…