In 2019, WIM excavated a test pit as part of its DFS. Over 11,000 tonnes of ore was removed and processed through a pilot scale demonstration WCP, at the mine site.
The test pit trials confirmed:
WIM partnered with world-leading mineral sands processing specialists, Mineral Technologies, to design and construct the demonstration plant. Following a safe, rapid construction and commission the plant ran smoothly for over six months of stable production.
WIM produced over 800 tonnes of premium quality, zircon-rich HMC and has now completed further downstream engineering studies, as input into the DFS.
The demonstration plant trials confirmed:
The completion of the demonstration plant has now set a robust foundation for WIM to complete a BFS and position the project to come on line in coming years.
TEST PIT
Ore excavation stage using truck and shovel
Avonbank Project test pit site
Ore stockpile dozer push
ORE FACE INSPECTION
WIM team members inspect the ore face
WIM CEO Eddy Wu (RHS) and Projects Director Michael Winternitz (LHS)
WIM Board and team members
DEMONSTRATION PLANT
Late 2019, fully operational
Production of maiden HMC
Etienne Raffaillac, Principal Process Engineer, and CEO Eddy Wu