Photo by: Sheffield Resources
Name of the Project
Thunderbird mineral sands project.
Location
Kimberley region, northern Western Australia.
Project Owner/s
Kimberley Mineral Sands (KMS), a 50:50 joint venture between Sheffield Resources and YGH Australia Investment.
Project Description
Thunderbird will be developed in two stages.
Stage 1 and 2 of operations are expected to produce 1.4-million tonnes a year of zircon and ilmenite concentrates over an estimated 36-year life-of-mine (LoM).
The initial Stage 1 mining and processing feed rate is forecast at 1 085 dry tonnes an hour at the wet concentrate plant, with Stage 2 doubling the wet concentrate feed rate to 2 170 t/h during Year 5 of operations.
The project includes the Night Train deposit, 20 km to the east of Thunderbird.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Stage 1 has an after-tax net present value (NPV), at an 8% discount rate, of A$842-million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 26.6%.
The project has an after-tax NPV, at an 8% discount rate, of A$548-million and an IRR of 27%.
Capital Expenditure
Total funding requirement for Stage 1 is estimated at A$484-million.
Total funding requirement for Stage 2 is estimated at A$258-million.
Planned Start/End Date
First production started in December 2023 quarter.
Stage 2’s assumed execution is expected in 2026/27, with production in 2028.
Latest Developments
The project is on target for first bulk customer deliveries in the first quarter of 2024.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
GR Engineering Services (engineering, procurement and construction – process facilities); and Piacentini & Son (services contract).
Contact Details for Project Information
Sheffield Resources, tel +61 8 6555 8777 or email info@sheffieldresources.com.au.