Coburn Heavy Mineral Sands Project
Backed by NAIF's $150 million investment, Strandline Resources' Coburn Heavy Mineral Sands Project will help revolutionise the mineral sands industry, create jobs and drive economic growth in Western Australia.
June 2020
Resources
Gascoyne region of WA
The Coburn Project is expected to be one of the world’s largest and most capital-efficient mineral sands projects, with a strong zircon-titanium product suite.
About Strandline
Strandline Resources is an emerging producer of heavy mineral sands with a portfolio of development assets located in Western Australia and within the world’s major zircon and titanium-producing corridor in Tanzania.
Project Overview
The Coburn Heavy Mineral Sands Project is one of the largest mineral sands (zircon and titanium-rich deposit) projects in the world.
The project is located in the well-established mining jurisdiction of Western Australia, close to key infrastructure, approximately 240 km north of Geraldton in the Gascoyne region. The project comprises mining operations, beneficiation, mineral separation processing, and associated infrastructure to produce 23.4 Mtpa of mineral sand products. The initial life of the mine is 22.5 years.
NAIF’s loan will be used for key infrastructure including a processing plant and equipment.
Products from the development will be used globally in ceramic tile, refractory, paint, titanium metal and welding rod applications. First production of heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) was completed in the December 2022 Quarter and the inaugural HMC shipment of concentrate was completed in the same quarter.
How We Helped
NAIF provided up to $150 million in finance towards the Coburn Heavy Mineral Sands Project. According to Strandline, NAIF's endorsement of the project helped push it toward production and helped ensure the project could secure other necessary financing.
Public Impact
The project is expected to generate up to $922 million in economic impact to the region over 25 years and generate up to 315 jobs during construction and up to 190 jobs during operations. Strandline resources expects to recruit the majority of its workforce from the surrounding regional area by facilitating a drive-in drive-out workforce. In addition, Strandline will offer training opportunities and engage local consultants and contractors, all of which will benefit the Gascoyne and Mid West regions.
NAIF’s investment decision is a major endorsement of the project and positions the company well to advance towards production. As well as providing a substantial share of the project funding, NAIF’s support will help ensure Coburn secures the rest of the necessary financing.
Luke Graham
Strandline Managing Director
Related Links
Indigenous Engagement
- The Nanda people
Nanda Country, located in the Mid-West region of Western Australia, spans over 17,000 square kilometres of land and water, including significant areas such as Kalbarri, Zuytdorp Nature Reserve, and parts of the Murchison River. The Nanda people were formally recognised as native title holders across the area being represented by the Nanda Aboriginal Corporation. The Nanda people are actively involved in preserving cultural heritage and caring for country. This includes the joint management of key conservation areas, such as Kalbarri National Park and the Zuytdorp Nature Reserve, in partnership with the Western Australian Government. Through these initiatives, the Nanda people continue to uphold their responsibilities as Traditional Owners, ensuring the protection and preservation of their Country for future generations.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Commitments
- Key participation commitments include a First Nations employment target of 3% and to provide first priority to Nanda Aboriginal Corporation for any contracting opportunities as per the Nanda Mining Agreement.
- Community development commitments include establishing a Community Consultation Group comprised of Nanda and Malgana representatives to review project opportunities and Indigenous engagement commitments, as well as the incorporation of Nanda and Malgana cultural knowledge around the project area, such as the installation of signage acknowledging traditional ownership and heritage.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Outcomes
- In 2021 and 2022, Strandline achieved 14.6% First Nations employment and identified entry-level training roles. Funds were allocated to support local training and education, and cross-cultural awareness training was developed and incorporated into site inductions. Indigenous businesses, Mallard Contracting and Saltwater Bay Services, were engaged for logistics, waste removal services and civil works.
- In late 2022 and 2023, Strandline focussed on employment and capability development, reaching 9.1% First Nations employment and a number of short-term contracts issued for fencing and road maintenance works. Meanwhile, Strandline began working with long-term contractors to create flexible, stable pathways for First Nations apprentices and trainees.
- To help communication with the Nanda Traditional Owners, Strandline directly engaged the five Nanda family groups to help establish their Community Consultation Committee to oversee they their Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES).
