Galena Mining Ltd (ASX:G1A) has passed another major milestone for the Abra Base Metals Mine in Western Australia with the first concentrate shipment leaving the port of Geraldton at the weekend.
The shipment of 5,019 dry metric tonnes (dmt) left the port on Saturday, March 25, onboard vessel 'Papora Wisdom' bound for Asia.
Concentrate was loaded in containers utilising the Qube Logistics Services’ Rotabox™ system.
Qube Logistics Services transfers the Rotabox™ containers to the ship for unloading.
"Important milestone"
Managing director Tony James said, “The first Abra concentrate shipment is a very important milestone for the project and it is one that is very rewarding for all those who have been involved with the successful build and transition of the mine into production.
"I’d like to acknowledge the very professional approach taken by the MidWest Ports Authority (MWPA) and Qube who provide our integrated logistics services for our concentrate handling.”
The Rotabox system at work with the lifting and transfer of concentrate to the ship hold. Once inside the hold, the lifting mechanism rotates the container to place the concentrate in position.
The Abra Base Metals Mine, which is 60% owned by Galena, is a globally significant lead-silver project in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia between the towns of Newman and Meekatharra, and around 110 kilometres from Sandfire’s DeGrussa Project.
It hosts a total JORC-compliant resource of 34.5 million tonnes at 7.2% lead and 16 g/t silver.
First stope production
"This first concentrate shipment coincides with the first stope production on site which is also a significant part of the mine ramp-up over the coming months to reach steady state production of 1.3 million tonnes per annum,” James added.
Abra commercial and marketing manager Charlie Kempson and Qube Geraldton Port manager Zane Wilson oversee the first shipment.
Galena completed a positive and robust definitive/bankable feasibility study in July 2019 for the development of an underground mine and processing facility to produce a high-value, high-grade lead-silver concentrate.
A final investment decision to complete the project was made in June 2021 and construction was completed in 2022, with the mine reaching first commercial production earlier this quarter.