The new site is operated by New Century Resources, and Ian Macfarlane, Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council, said its opening was indicative of the sector’s collaborative approach to resources as well as its ability to reprocess.
Macfarlane said: “Ultimately this zinc mine was closed because it was uneconomical but due to the ingenuity of New Century it’s now a jobs and exports story for Queensland. New Century is powering its operations with gas supplied from Santos, a partnership which has created 250 jobs at the site. High-grade zinc concentrate can be used for corrugated zinc steel roofing on many Queenslander homes or galvanised steel for our bridges and skyscrapers.”
The project, which has a strong connection with the Traditional Owners is on track for first shipments leaving the site to Karumba port later this year.