Irvine Island Surface Water Assessment
29 Nov 2015
The Irvine Island Project is located on a small island off the northern Kimberley coast of Western Australia, about 130 km north of Derby. The proposed project involves mining of hematite iron ore, initial processing on the island then shipping of concentrate to Asia.
Irvine Island has a rich iron ore resource but is surrounded by sensitive marine environment. Substantial investigations were required as part of project planning and regulatory approval to ensure that the operations did not adversely affect the surrounding environment.
The prefeasibility study has been completed and environmental management investigations have been undertaken. Part of the environmental approvals required assessment of surface water.
Tropicana Surface Water Assessment
28 Nov 2015
The Tropicana Gold Mine, located 330 km east-northeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, is owned by AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd (70% and manager) and Independence Group NL (30%). More details about the joint venture and mine are given here.
Gold was discovered at Tropicana in August 2005. After successful completion of a Bankable Feasibility Study the project received development approval in November 2010. After construction of infrastructure to access the remote site, including 220 km of new road and a sealed airstrip, was completed in mid-2012, construction of the large processing plant began. First gold was poured in September 2013 and in October 2015 the open cut operation poured its 1 millionth ounce.
Tropicana is one of the most significant gold discoveries of the past decade and has a mine life of more than 10 years.