Australia Centrex Limited produces first beneficiated ore at Ardmore Phosphate project

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Australian fertilizer developer Centrex Limited said mining is ongoing at their Ardmore Phosphate project in northwest Queensland, and it has produced the first beneficiated ore at the site.

At this time mining operations are achieving the scheduled rate of 27,000 tonnes of ore per month and the company said the crushing contractor has also commenced efforts to create both direct application product and feed for the Ardmore beneficiation plant.

The production rate is expected to progressively ramp-up over the next six months as crushing and the beneficiation plant are optimised.

The schedule currently allows three weeks for product drying via solar with the logistics contractor expected to commence transporting in early August, with the first export shipment planned for early September.

The company said demand remains strong and an initial transport rate of 10,000 tonnes per month is scheduled but that rate will progressively increase up to 20,000 tonnes per month by the end of January 2023.

“First production of beneficiated Ardmore ore is a major milestone for the company. To deliver the project on budget and schedule is a great achievement. I thank all the contractors involved and I’m proud of the Centrex team and what it has achieved,” said Robert Mencel, Centrex Limited Managing Director