Australia Centrex Limited looks to increase production at Ardmore phosphate project

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Australian producer Centrex Limited announced it is working towards increasing production at their flagship Ardmore Phosphate Rock Mine and said this is intended to be achieved predominantly by using the existing facilities on site.

In addition, the company said its logistics contractor has begun transporting the first high-grade phosphate rock beneficiated product to the Townsville port with the company expecting to export its first parcel of 5,000 tonnes in late September 2022.

An initial transport rate of 10,000 tonnes per month is being planned with the project to increase that volume up to 30,000 tonnes per month during 2023.

The company said it is closely monitoring recent positive developments in phosphate rock prices and restricted supply, which continue to support the growth of the Ardmore development.

Centrex noted that phosphate rock prices remain elevated and have risen an estimated 156% since the updated definitive feasibility study (DFS) was completed in August 2021.

Centrex Limited said upcoming milestones for the project include execution of further shipments and repeat sale contracts, the appointment of shipping coordinator and pricing staff and undertake further progress on their commercial plant engineering and design.