The Dugald River project is located 85 km northeast of Mount Isa, Queensland. Project scope includes a 2-million-mt/y underground mine with twin-decline access and conventional longhole and bench stoping, a conventional grinding and flotation circuit, and a combination of existing and proposed rail, storage and ship-loading facilities. With resources open at depth, the mine has the potential to continue operation beyond the currently planned 22 years.

The Dugald River project’s environmen-tal impact statement has received Queens-land government approval. The next stage of development will include detailed engi-neering, metallurgical testwork, procure-ment of long-lead-time major equipment, continuation of early site works, and under-ground decline development. Key local infrastructure development, including load-out, power and accommodation, will also be advanced during this period. The Minmetals board will consider final approval for project development and con-struction following completion of this stage of development.

Minmetals Resources also operates the Century zinc mine in northwest Queens-land, which produces about 500,000 mt/y of zinc in concentrate. Mine life for the Century mine is projected to end in about 2015. Dugald River has the potential to replace nearly half this production.