Kimberley Mineral Sands (KMS) has celebrated the maiden shipment of products from its Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project in the West Kimberley, which set sail from Port Hedland with approximately 300t of non-magnetic concentrate.
The first shipment of zircon departed for delivery to three of KMS’ global offtake partners. Zircon is primarily used in the everyday manufacture of ceramics, including tiles, bathroom sanitaryware and kitchen crockery. It is also used in a range of production processes in refractories and foundry casting, as well as catalytic fuel converters, and air and water purification systems.
Kimberley Mineral Sands’ Chief Operating Officer, Michael Rose, said that it was a historic moment for the mine.
“The first bagged shipment is another significant milestone for the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project,” Mr Rose said.
“The shipment left from Port Hedland to utilise an existing container vessel service that operates regularly between Port Hedland and various Asian ports.
“Products are now being prepared for future bagged and bulk shipments from Broome that will commence early this year.”
