Image Resources (ASX:IMA) is focusing on ramping up to name-plate capacity at the Atlas Mineral Sands Project in Western Australia, after producing the first heavy mineral concentrate.
As part of early-stage project commissioning, which began this month, the company will now complete the first heavy mineral concentrate shipment and return to revenue generation early in Q2 2025.
CEO Patrick Mutz says achieving first production at Atlas marks a milestone for the company, on the heels of constructing and commissioning its second mineral sands project.
“Over the next few months, we will focus on ramping up to name plate capacity, and producing a consistent, high-quality heavy mineral concentrate product to maximise revenue,” Mutz says.
“Completing construction on-time and on-budget is a testament to the skill, dedication, and teamwork of construction and development personnel, as well as their commitment to safety and efficiency.”
In late November 2024, Image experienced construction delays due to site evacuations for a bush fire. Between December last year and January, the company accelerated construction resulting in completing all major construction activities, allowing a wind down to the remaining non-process infrastructure items.
The company notes this is in line with the forecast and associated construction schedule approved by Image’s board in July 2024.
The Atlas Project’s ore reserves contains 5.5 million tonnes @ 9.2% heavy minerals, with 11.9% zircon and 7.9% rutile. Atlas has an expected mine life of two to three years, with opportunities to extend through developing further mineral resources in the area.
Image Resources is a mineral sands-focused mining company that is currently transitioning from open-cut mining and ore processing operations at its Boonanarring Project to its Atlas Project.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Image Resources
