Wedoany.com Report-Nov 15,  The development of Hastings Technology Metals’ Yangibana rare earths project in Western Australia is developing steadily and is now 33 per cent complete.

An additional $67 million has been spent on the project’s hydrometallurgical plant, with Hastings continuing to progress the phased development through a project loan note facility.

There have been a number of key development activities completed to date, including the Kurrbili accomodation village of 294 rooms, kitchen, mess facilities, medical centre, sports court and administration buildings, along with a 1.8km airstrip.

Design works at Yangibana are also well advanced, with the electrical, instrumentation and control system engineering and design commencing.

The majority of long lead equipment for the beneficiation plant produced to date have been delivered and held in storage in Perth, along with the equipment for the hydrometallurgical plant.

The company recently announced changes to its management and board structure, with Peter Phan being named as Yangibana project director, bringing more than 30 years’ mining industry experience to the role.

“Our ability to attract someone of Peter Phan’s calibre to the position of project director is a strong reflection on the quality of our Yangibana Project,” Hastings executive chairman Charles Lew said.

“Peter brings considerable experience in mine project development and astute leadership capabilities.”