Construction will include a new purpose-built three stage crushing, screening and ore sorting plant at a capital cost of approximately A$14 million (US$10.6 million). The payback for the project is estimated to be less than 12 months at current tin prices. Earthworks have commenced with practical completion scheduled for April 2018.
It is anticipated that ore sorting will increase tin production at Renison by 15-20%. Renison is targeted to produce 7,000-7,200t of tin in 2017.
Underground ore production will increase to approximately 920,000t/y, while the processing plant will be maintained at approximately 720,000t/y, with the rejection of an estimated 200,000t/y of waste by the ore sorter. In preparation for the introduction of ore sorting, additional areas within the underground mine have already been developed and a significant stockpile of ore has been accumulated.
