Name of the Mine
Cannington mine.

Location  
North-west Queensland, Australia.

Mine Owner/s  
South32.

Brief Description  
The high-grade nature of the Cannington mine’s deposits makes it a significant global producer of silver and lead, contributing substantially to South32's overall production profile.

The mine's success can be attributed to the unique geological conditions that have resulted in the concentration of valuable metals in economically viable quantities.

Brief History  
The deposit was discovered as an anomaly when an aerial survey of the region was done nearly 30 years ago.

Production has been under way at the mine for more than 20 years.

Primary Metals/Minerals  
Silver, lead and zinc.

Secondary Metals/Minerals  
None.

Geology/Mineralisation  
The mine is situated within the world-class Broken Hill orebody, which is well-known for its rich mineral deposits. The geology of the mine is characterised by a complex structural setting, with mineralisation occurring within sedimentary rocks of the Proterozoic-aged Mount Isa basin.

The main mineralisation comprises silver-rich lead sulphide (galena) and zinc sulphide (sphalerite) ores. These minerals are usually found in carbonate-rich host rocks. The orebodies are stratiform and are hosted within the Lower Proterozoic McArthur Group sediments, forming a part of the larger Broken Hill ore system.

Reserves  
Total mineral reserves as at June 30, 2023, were estimated 15-million tonnes grading 183 g/t silver, 5.33% lead and 3.02% zinc.

Resources  
As at June 30, 2023, Cannington had underground mineral resources of 48-million tonnes grading 155 g/t silver, 4.93% lead and 3.14% zinc. Opencut resources were estimated at 25-million tonnes grading90 g/t silver, 2.94% lead and 2.14% zinc.

Type of Mine
Underground.

Mining Method  
Silver, lead and zinc are extracted from the ore using grinding, sequential flotation and leaching techniques that produce high-grade, marketable lead and zinc concentrates with a high silver content.

Major Infrastructure/Equipment  
The mine includes a surface processing facility, a road-to-rail transfer facility and a concentrate handling and shiploading facility at the Port of Townsville. 

Prospects  
South32 is studying tailings reprocessing and openpit options to potentially extend the mine’s life.

Contact Details
South32 (Cannington mine)
Tel +61 7 4720 1059
Email Cannington.info@south32.net

Sources
South32. Website: https://www.south32.net/
South32. Annual Report 2023.