Black Bear Minerals (ASX:BKB) has awarded Ausenco the next phase of operational restart studies for its Shafter Silver Project in Texas.
The expanded scope focuses on staged technical de-risking and Bankable Feasibility Studies, process trade-off studies, metallurgical test work, and mine planning, as well as environmental and preliminary restart execution planning.
The studies will refine restart plan and costs identified in the dilapidation studies at the Shafter Silver Project and its estimated $150 million of existing infrastructure.
Ausenco has received a non-binding letter of support from Export Finance Australia (EFA) for potential financing activities associated with Ausenco’s award on the project, subject to satisfactory due diligence, eligibility criteria, and internal approvals.
Black Bear CEO Dennis Lindgren says the next phase award to Ausenco marks another key milestone in advancing its strategy toward a capital-efficient restart of the Shafter Silver Project, leveraging substantial existing infrastructure.
“Engagement from Export Finance Australia to support Ausenco highlights the role Australian capability can play in supporting US critical minerals development,” Lindgren says.
The company notes that the project aligns with Western government priorities to secure domestic supply chains for critical metals, including silver, across defence, industrial, semiconductor, and energy transition sectors in the US.
The expanded scope follows completion of the initial site inspection, dilapidation, and operational restart assessment studies previously announced by the company.
It is intended to further advance Black Bear‘s staged restart strategy, focused on leveraging existing infrastructure and accelerating potential restart pathways.
key studies for capital-efficient restart
The studies are expected to focus on process trade-off studies and flowsheet optimisation, metallurgical test work and ore variability assessment, mine planning, and staged operational sequencing.
They will also address infrastructure reuse, refurbishment strategies, long-lead procurement assessment, environmental review, and financial and execution planning.
The work program is intended to support a staged brownfield restart strategy and financeable studies aimed at minimising capital intensity and expediting development timelines by maximising the reuse of existing infrastructure and site facilities.
As outlined in the previously completed dilapidation studies, the Shafter Project retains substantial existing infrastructure estimated at $150 million, including processing facilities, refinery infrastructure, site buildings, utilities, and underground development.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Black Bear Minerals
