Ausenco provided EPCM services for the magnetite extraction plant at Glencore’s Ernest Henry Mining (EHM) copper-gold operation located near Cloncurry in north west Queensland, Australia.
The magnetite extraction plant is a $60m component of the $600m EHM life-of-mine extension project. The development included the underground mine and magnetite processing operations.
The recovery of magnetite from the existing tailings stream will allow EHM to diversify its product mix and become an iron ore producer.
The plant includes conventional magnetic separators, cyclones, a regrind mill and a ceramic dewatering filter and loadout facility integrated into the existing copper concentrator.
Ausenco’s scope included full EPCM support from prefeasibility, feasibility and project execution, including commissioning support to the client.
EHM currently has an annual production capacity of 90,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate and 110,000 ounces of gold in concentrate.
The magnetite processing operation will produce approximately 1.2 Mt/y of magnetite.
Acheivements
- Project completed on budget and two weeks ahead of schedule
- Client in full production eight weeks ahead of schedule.