Austral Resources has performed its inaugural blast at the Anthill copper mine in North West Queensland.
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The milestone came three weeks after approval was received to commence mining at Anthill, 80km north-west of Mount Isa.
Austral CEO Steve Tambanis said it was exciting to see so much hard work come to fruition in a short timeframe.
"We're delighted to break ground within three weeks of obtaining approval to commence mine development," Mr Tambanis said.
"Employees and contractors have worked tirelessly to achieve this key development milestone - both safely and cost effectively."
The blast was attended by stakeholders including contractor Thiess Mining Services, blast management company Orica and drill specialists Roc-Drill.
The blast broke 110,000 cubic metres of iron stone in Anthill's east pit, allowing bulk earthmoving to begin in January 2022.
Mr Tambanis said first ore will be mined in March/April 2022 with 10,000 tonnes of copper cathode planned to be produced by mid-2022 at the Mount Kelly copper oxide heap leach and solvent extraction electrowinning plant.
"Site works are proceeding as scheduled with bulk earthmoving planned to commence in January 2022 and first ore deliveries expected in April 2022, weather permitting," he said.
"Both Anthill Mine development and Mt Kelly plant refurbishment are in full swing. Our goal is to achieve planned copper production of 10,000tpa commencing mid 2022 for a four year period."
At full production, Mount Kelly will reach 5000 tonnes per day with site facilities and haul roads under construction on track for first production next year.
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Thiess will then start its three-year mining services contract signed in October.
Thiess CEO Michael Wright said the company was well placed to be a part of the Anthill operation owing to its location.
"Thiess has a long history operating in the Mount Isa region dating back to the early 1960s, and we're very pleased to be back," Mr Wright said.
The Anthill Project will extend copper production from the existing Lady Annie Operations and is located 45km from the Mt Kelly processing facility.
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
