MANAGEMENT

Ironbark getting ready in Greenland

Ironbark Zinc is on the move with initial site preparation and mine prep work plans

Staff reporter

This article is 6 years old. Images might not display.

The company said it is eyeing the September quarter for the ship transport of essential equipment and fuel to the site, and detailed engineering plans for the mine's portal and decline drive towards the 'Beach Zone', the first and highest-grade ore source, are complete and site prep is ready to begin this year.

Engineering partner Mining Plus is helping Ironbark with both engineering and technical services for the open-pit and underground schedules, and collaborated with the miner on the completed plans.

"Ironbark is confident to proceed with these early site activities with the intention of achieving major milestones this year on site," managing director Jonathan Downes said, adding it is looking forward to breaking ground this year.

"This will ensure that when financing of the project is completed, with the assistance of Cutfield Freeman & Co, we can hit the ground running towards first zinc production without the delays of waiting for these long lead-time items."

The ship is expected to arrive at the project in mid-August; the company is currently negotiating with shipping groups to contract the vessel. Once delivered, crews will begin to use the equipment immediately.

"[The] project is exceptionally well placed to meet the strong and growing global demand for zinc, and represents a large-scale, high-margin operation in a stable and safe jurisdiction," he said.

"Ironbark is continuing working towards project financing and remains confident that the project economics against the current zinc price remain compelling."

Downes promised more appointment announcements in the near-term future for Citronen, which has been given a 30-year mining license. He added that some further work approvals are still being sought from the government of Greenland, but noted the company is "comfortable" they can be received in the needed time frame and within the license's outlines.

A feasibility study filed last year has outlined a 14-year mine life for Citronen with a throughput of 3.3 million tonnes annually and production of 150,000t of zinc per year.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production