Australian Zircon Operates Mallee Mine Again

2012-03-08

Mar. 7, 2012 - Murray Zircon expects to have a zircon mine in the Mallee operational before end of year.
Mining originally began at the site in 2006.
By 2009 mining operations stopped when the owners Australian Zircon went into voluntary administration.
The new owners of the mine, Murray Zircon, say they aim to have the mine operational once more before the end of 2012.
With Steve McEwan a spokesperson for Murray Zircon says.
"There are some long lead times with various plant and mobilisation of contractors, which means that it is probably going to be [operational] in the second half of this year."
Murray Zircon conducted a feasibility study at the site in early 2011 and has been negotiating opening the mine with community and local government since.
Recently the community has expressed interest in the development moving ahead, with the Mayor of Karoonda East Murray saying community concerns have eased.
Murray Zircon has lodged an application for an accommodation development at the old Wanbi Oval site.
In the past the mine has employed up to 110 people.
Mr McEwan says the company plans to be operational for the next three years at least.
"We have resources for the next three years planned.
"And it would be producing heavy mineral concentrate in the order of eight to nine thousand tonnes a month."
Mr McEwan says Murray Zircon has an 'employ local' policy but the mine redevelopment could require experienced operators to relocate to the Mindarie area.