Sheffield Resources (ASX:SFX) expects to increase the total zircon shipments for Q1 2025 from the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine in Western Australia.
Sheffield expects the total shipments for Q1 to range between 55,000 and 70,000 tonnes.
The company says that this estimation is above the previous guidance for the period of 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes provided in December 2024.
The total estimated ilmenite concentrate shipments for Q1 remains between 160,000 and 180,000 tonnes.
Executive Chairman Bruce Griffin says the increase in zircon shipments represents a significant turnaround.
“This is a direct result of the efforts of the Kimberley Mineral Sands marketing team and the strong interest we are seeing from existing and new customers for Thunderbird zircon concentrate,” Griffin says.
The company also noted that following Cyclone Zelia last week, the Great Northern Highway between Port Hedland and Broome in Western Australia has temporarily closed.
Kimberley Mineral Sands, owner of Thunderbird, has been monitoring the situation and has determined to suspend mining and processing plant operations temporarily.
Sheffield, which has a market capitalisation of $63.16 million, anticipates a resumption of activity in the coming days once supply routes are restored.
Further, product shipments and sales are not anticipated to be affected by the closure and are continuing on a regular basis with no impediment to road or transit infrastructure between Thunderbird and the Port of Broome.
Kimberley Mineral Sands is a 50:50 joint venture between Sheffield and Yansteel, operating the Thunderbird Mine and actively exploring adjacent tenements on the Dampier Peninsula.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Sheffield Resources
