Strong progress in underground development works at the Mt Marion lithium operation is breaking new ground in lithium for Mineral Resources (MinRes).
MinRes’ growing lithium portfolio includes three hard rock mines in the Pilbara and Goldfields regions, with the Mt Marion operation driving one of the most exciting new phases for the company.
The Mt Marion lithium operation is located 40km south-west of Kalgoorlie, jointly owned by MinRes and one of the world’s largest lithium hydroxide producers, Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co.
In 2023, the first major exploration campaign at Mt Marion since MinRes took control of the mine confirmed a significant underground resource.
Locally based underground development contractor, Develop Global, commenced works in early 2024 to establish an exploration decline and assist with development of surface facilities that will support underground infrastructure and future mining activities.
In June, the first underground development firing marked a new milestone in Mt Marion’s transition underground, with full development earthworks targeting a depth of 350m within the next 18 months.
Achieving first underground firing involved a range of operational and technical work including formal approvals, geotechnical investigations, significant clearing and excavation of the box cut by MinRes’ open pit teams, with ground support from the Develop team.
Mt Marion General Manager Marcelo Avecilla said the underground cut marked an important step forward in Mt Marion’s transition to an open pit and underground operation.
“We’ve always considered Mt Marion a world-class asset and having recently doubled our underground Resource, MinRes is now working hard to deliver an exciting new phase for the mine,” Marcelo said.
“We’re expanding our lithium workforce to strengthen our technical and operational expertise, while partnering with experts in underground mine planning, geotechnical, ventilation and operational readiness to streamline Mt Marion’s evolution.”
Pending receipt of all necessary approvals, MinRes is targeting first development ore in mid-2025 and first production ore by the end of 2025.
Having spent almost 15 years building a world-class lithium business, MinRes is today the largest Australian-owned lithium producer and world’s only operator of three hard rock mines.
Lithium is one of MinRes’ core commodities and through our strong industry foresight and ambitious growth strategy, the company has built a long-term business horizon set to expand and diversify in line with global demand.
Mt Marion General Manager Marcelo Avecilla, Manager Underground Operations Bill Hancock and Safety Manager Nathan Hancock at the site’s new underground portal.
Learn more about MinRes’ lithium business.
