Mineral Resources (MinRes) has released updated Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves statements for its Mt Marion and Wodgina lithium deposits and a maiden statement for its Ken’s Bore iron ore deposit.
Mt Marion and Wodgina, located in Western Australia’s Goldfields and Pilbara regions respectively, are hard rock lithium mines that produce high-quality spodumene concentrate.
The Ken’s Bore iron ore deposit, located in the West Pilbara region of Western Australia, is one of several deposits that underpin the Onslow Iron project being developed by MinRes in partnership with the Red Hill Iron Ore Joint Venture.
Highlights of the announcement include:
- Mt Marion Ore Reserve of 35.7Mt at 1.42 per cent lithium oxide (Li₂O), representing a significant 107 per cent increase from June 2021
- Mt Marion Mineral Resources of 64.8Mt at 1.42 per cent Li₂O, up 26 per cent from June 2022
- Wodgina Ore Reserve of 164.6Mt at 1.15 per cent Li₂O, up 12 per cent from June 2022
- Wodgina Mineral Resources of 217.4Mt at 1.15 per cent Li₂O, down 16 per cent from June 2022
- Maiden Ken’s Bore Ore Reserve of 207Mt at 58.1 per cent iron (Fe)
- Maiden Ken’s Bore Mineral Resources of 394Mt at 56.4 per cent Fe
The Mt Marion figures are solely based on an open pit scenario. As a result, pending further deep drilling success, there is additional opportunity to incorporate underground Ore Reserves.
As of June 2023, lithium Ore Reserves were estimated at an assumed spodumene concentrate price of US$1,639 per tonne (six per cent Li₂O concentrate). Ken’s Bore Ore Reserve was calculated using an assumed iron ore Platts 62 per cent index price of US$80 per tonne.
MinRes Managing Director, Chris Ellison, said this update confirms the quality of MinRes’ lithium and iron ore assets.
“Across Mt Marion and Wodgina, our lithium reserves now total more than 200 million tonnes, while successful drilling at Mt Marion has confirmed it has a longer life and excellent potential for underground mining,” Mr Ellison said.
“Our maiden Ore Reserve and Mineral Resources at Ken’s Bore underpins the transformational Onslow Iron Project currently under construction, and together with the other Joint Venture resources will see MinRes deliver low-cost, quality iron ore for decades to come.”
