Mt Marion breaks new ground

: Having spent almost 15 years building a world-class lithium business, MinRes is today the largest Australian-owned lithium producer and world’s only operator of three hard rock mines.
Having spent almost 15 years building a world-class lithium business, MinRes is today the largest Australian-owned lithium producer and world’s only operator of three hard rock mines.

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) achieved first underground firing at its Mt Marion lithium operation in WA.

Full development earthworks targeting a depth of 350m are expected within the next 18 months.

Mt Marion general manager Marcelo Avecilla says the underground cut marks an important step forward in Mt Marion’s transition to an open pit and underground operation.

“We’ve always considered Mt Marion a world-class asset and having recently doubled our underground Resource, MinRes is now working hard to deliver an exciting new phase for the mine,” he said.

“We’re expanding our lithium workforce to strengthen our technical and operational expertise, while partnering with experts in underground mine planning, geotechnical, ventilation and operational readiness to streamline Mt Marion’s evolution.”

Locally based underground development contractor, Develop Global, commenced works in early 2024 to establish an exploration decline and assist with development of surface facilities that will support underground infrastructure and future mining activities.
Locally based underground development contractor, Develop Global, commenced works in early 2024 to establish an exploration decline and assist with development of surface facilities that will support underground infrastructure and future mining activities.

This development confirms MinRes’ major 2023 exploration campaign at Mt Marion, the first since MinRes took control of operations.

MinRes’ growing lithium portfolio includes three hard rock mines in the Pilbara and WA Goldfields regions, with the Mt Marion operation driving a new phase for the company.

MinRes is targeting first development ore in mid-2025 and first production ore by the end of 2025.

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