MACA Limited has been awarded the open pit mining contract for Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project, located approximately 120 kilometres from Port Hedland in Western Australia.
Scope of works under MACA’s contract will include drilling and blasting as well as loading and hauling services at the mine. The contract has an initial term of two years with three one-year extension options at the discretion of Pilbara Minerals.
MACA will be utilising both existing and new plant and equipment for the job.
“MACA is excited to have the opportunity to participate in the Project and continue our long-term mining presence in the Pilbara region. We look forward to being part of the expanding Lithium industry and assisting the team at Pilbara to deliver the Pilgangoora Project,” MACA Executive Director Geoff Baker said.
According to a statement from Pilbara Minerals, mobilisation and establishment works on site are expected to commence shortly and pre-stripping works on the main deposit at Pilgangoora are set to begin in November 2017.
Mining activities on-site will progressively ramp up through the rest of the year as well as into the New Year.
“The site is already a hive of activity, and this will only continue to increase in the coming weeks following the award of this pivotal contract as the MACA mining team begin to mobilise to site.
“MACA has vast experience working in the Pilbara region and they are a perfect fit with our organisation. This contract will employ around 70 personnel and will require mobilisation of an extensive mining fleet comprising two hydraulic excavators, seven large capacity haulage trucks, drill rigs and numerous items of support equipment,” Pilbara Minerals Managing Director Ken Brinsden said.
Source: Australian Mining and Pilbara Minerals