Thunderbird surges ahead

The company reached 75 per cent completion in February 2023 and expects to complete the project within the $484 million budget.

“We are very pleased by the continued progress at Thunderbird, with construction now 85 per cent complete, and KMS remains well positioned to complete the project within the current available funding of $484 million,” Sheffield Resources executive chair Bruce Griffin said.

“Our operational readiness team has successfully recruited key personnel ahead of our scheduled commissioning later this year with forecast first shipment of product in Q1 2024 (first quarter of 2024).”

Sheffield said construction progress on the wet concentrate plant and concentrate upgrade plant is advancing according to schedule, and pipework, electrical and mechanical installation is well advanced.

The tailing storage facility and stormwater storage pond will be completed during the second quarter of 2023, while the excavator and truck fleet have been mobilised at the site in preparation for the commencement of waste mining activities.

The manufacture of the dry mining unit is also well underway via mining contractor Piacentini & Son, ahead of scheduled assembly and transport to site.

Thunderbird is a joint venture between Sheffield and Yansteel, with both parties owning 50 per cent.