en.Wedoany.com Reported - Austral Resources (ASX:AR1) is progressing on budget and schedule with the restart of the Rocklands copper mine project in northwest Queensland, with the refurbishment plan entering a critical phase.
The company has secured a new, unused 4.75 MW semi-autogenous grinding mill, scheduled to arrive on site in late July. Meanwhile, it has completed a detailed engineering assessment of the project's existing processing plant infrastructure, covering primary crushing and ball milling, flotation circuits, thickening and filtration, and concentrate handling facilities.
Austral Resources has also begun a detailed review of mechanical equipment that can be repurposed in the revised process flowsheet, including screens, bins, pumps, hoppers, and related equipment. GR Engineering Services has been appointed to handle the engineering design and construction management of the front-end modifications required for the mine restart. Front-end engineering design activities commenced in early April and are expected to be completed by the end of July 2026.
Assessments of identified conveyors and structures for demolition are underway, with demolition activities expected to accelerate this month in preparation for the arrival of the SAG mill and pebble crushing circuit. The company expects to begin earthworks and civil construction activities in Q3 2026, targeting completion before the 2026/27 wet season.
Additionally, Austral Resources has completed confirmatory drilling at Rocklands, with metallurgical core samples to be processed by Core Technologies. The resulting test work program aims to optimize flotation circuit design, recovery performance, and concentrate quality.
Chief Operating Officer Shane O'Connell stated that the company is focused on developing a simpler, lower-risk, and more capital-efficient processing circuit to maximize copper concentrate production while leveraging the project's existing infrastructure. O'Connell noted that Rocklands will be fed by ore from Austral Resources' wholly owned mining operations, with mining already underway at Flying Horse and Mt Clarke to supply oxide feed to Mt Kelly, while exposing future sulfide feed for Rocklands, which will be blended with existing Rocklands sulfide resources. This integrated approach provides a clear path from mining to processing, positioning Austral Resources as a producer of both copper oxide and copper sulfide from its eastern and western operations. With engineering advancing, major equipment secured, and site work scheduled to begin in Q3 2026, the company remains confident in completing the Rocklands restart on time and on budget.
Austral Resources is a copper cathode producer operating in the Mount Isa region of Queensland, Australia.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
