Ark Mines (ASX:AHK) has been granted a mining licence for the Sandy Mitchell Project in North Queensland from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development.
The mining licence covers around 406 hectares at Sandy Mitchell, including the area that contains a measured resource estimate.
Ark Mines will progress with detailed mine planning and engineering studies, metallurgical testwork and processing optimisation, infrastructure planning and development studies, and will engage with strategic partners and potential offtake customers.
Managing Director Ben Emery says the company has reached a “significant milestone” in progressing the project towards development with mining approvals.
“Over the last 12 months, the company has advanced the project with resource expansion drilling, metallurgical testwork and processing trials, all aimed at strengthening the development pathway for Sandy Mitchell,” Emery says.
“An updated Scoping Study is expected to be released shortly, as a precursor to the PFS (Prefeasibility Study).
“Results from the recent drilling program are expected to contribute to an updated mineral resource estimate which will be a key input into the Prefeasibility Study to be released in H2 2026.
“With the mining licence in place and key studies progressing, the potential of Sandy Mitchell to become an important future supplier of these materials into international markets continues to grow.”
The Sandy Mitchell Project is considered prospective for light and heavy rare earths including dysprosium, terbium, thulium, and yttrium.
Ark Mines is a mineral explorer focused on its four projects in Northern Queensland.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Ark Mines
