WA Kaolin (ASX:WAK) reports that installation and pre-commissioning is underway on Stage 1 of its Wickepin Project processing plant leading up to scheduled completion in February.
The plant, which will use the K99 proprietary dry processing method, is expected to facilitate first production by Q2 CY22. Output will kick-off with a 25 tonne per hour nameplate capacity before increasing to around 200,000 tpa rate by December 2022, and increasing to 400,000 tpa during 2023.
“Our team on site continues to work incredibly hard to ensure we can commence ramping up production to the 200,000 tonne per annum rate in Q2”
Speaking on the progress update, WA Kaolin CEO Andrew Sorensen said: “Deliveries to site progressed well in Q4 CY21 and into the new year and it is pleasing that the earlier delays have not impacted our budget for Stage 1.
Installation of our kiln, which is a central piece of equipment for the processing plant, has been completed and awaits gas connection and commissioning. Other equipment is being installed and pre-commissioned in parallel with this.
Our team on site continues to work incredibly hard to ensure we can commence ramping up production to the 200,000 tonne per annum rate in Q2.”
The world-class Wickepin Project is considered to be one of the world’s largest remaining premium primary sources of kaolin, and contains an existing 644.5 million tonne mineral resource including an ore reserve estimate of 30.5 million tonnes of high-grade premium kaolinised granite.
The company notes that output from the project is able to command premium prices from tier-one customers due to its purity, quality and brightness.
Images: WA Kaolin Ltd
