Sandy Ridge Project Update – Dec 2019
- Stage 1 – Site establishment and long lead items complete
- Stage 2A – 71 room permanent village and construction laydown area progressing as planned
- Crown lease – 99 year lease signed and registered
- Works approvals – temporary surface storage granted
- Stage 2B – Commenced in line with approvals
- Operations – Subject to approvals, gates expected to open for surface storage in Q1 2020 and in-cell placement in Q3 2020
Overview
Sandy Ridge is Australia’s first dual open-cut kaolin mine and arid near-surface geological waste repository in a 70-million-year-old kaolin clay bed, which is located 240 kms by road west north west of Kalgoorlie.
Stage 1 - Site Establishment
In line with approvals, we have successfully completed the enabling works required to prepare the site for full construction. This included road intersection upgrades, access road maintenance, airstrip upgrades and water bore drilling. The long lead air dome was manufactured in the USA and shipped to Australia. The long lead modular buildings for the 71 room village and waste water treatment plant were manufactured offsite.
Stage 2A - Permanent Accommodation Village
In line with approvals, a temporary construction camp been has been commissioned. The modular buildings for the permanent village have also been delivered to site, and installation is progressing as planned.
Crown Lease
The crown lease has been signed by the Minister for Lands and registered with Landgate. The lease gives Tellus exclusive tenure for permitted uses (building, operating, closing and monitoring of the geological repository) for the next 99 years.
Works Approvals
The crown lease has been signed by the Minister for Lands and registered with Landgate. The lease gives Tellus exclusive tenure for permitted uses (building, operating, closing and monitoring of the geological repository) for the next 99 years.
Stage 2B – Remaining Project Works
Works have commenced in line with approvals and are forecast to be completed in Q3 2020. This includes the facility infrastructure and excavation of the first cell under the air dome.
Operations Update
Subject to approvals, gates expected to open for surface storage in Q1 2020 and in-cell placement in Q3 2020. The Tellus team continues to expand and site specific procedures, management systems and training are being rolled out. Operational equipment is being procured and mobilized to site.
