West Coast Silver Ltd (ASX: WCE) and Artemis Resources Ltd (ASX:ARV, AIM:ARV, OTCQB:ARTTF) have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly assess processing options for ore from the Elizabeth Hill Silver Mine. The evaluation will focus on the suitability of the Radio Hill Processing Plant near Karratha to treat material from Elizabeth Hill.
Under the MOU, the companies will work together to review Radio Hill’s technical capabilities and configuration as a potential processing solution for Elizabeth Hill material, including ore and other mineralised feed.
Radio Hill Gekko Plant (2025).
The cooperation will involve exchange of technical data and metallurgical samples as well as assessment of transport and handling logistics between the mine and the plant.
Artemis executive director Jozsef Patarica said the arrangement provides a pathway to test future processing opportunities while backing the development potential of a high-grade silver project in the region.
“Radio Hill has historically demonstrated versatility across multiple ore types. This cooperation allows us to assess future processing opportunities while supporting potential development of a high-grade silver project in our region,” Patarica said.
West Coast Silver executive chairman Bruce Garlick noted that Elizabeth Hill is regarded as one of Australia’s historically highest-grade silver deposits and that assessing Radio Hill aligns with West Coast’s strategy to fast-track development while maintaining capital discipline.
“Elizabeth Hill is one of Australia’s historically highest-grade silver deposits. The opportunity to assess Radio Hill as a potential processing solution aligns with our strategy to fast-track development while maintaining capital discipline.”
Non-binding terms, confidentiality and cost structure
The MOU is explicitly non-binding and does not create a partnership or joint venture between the parties. Any formal processing or toll treatment agreement would require a separate, definitive contract to be negotiated if the technical and commercial work proves positive.
There are no financial obligations on either party at this stage, and each company will bear its own costs associated with the preparation and implementation of the MOU.
All information exchanged under the agreement must remain confidential and be used only for the assessment, subject to disclosure obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 and ASX Listing Rules. The MOU is governed by the laws of Western Australia under a non-exclusive jurisdiction.
Technical teams from Artemis and West Coast Silver will now commence detailed data sharing, a review of plant capabilities and broader assessment planning. The companies intend to provide further updates as material progress is made.
Established processing plant and high-grade silver backdrop
Radio Hill is a fully permitted 425,000 tonnes per annum nickel-copper concentrator, located about 35 kilometres south of Karratha in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Artemis acquired the plant and surrounding assets in 2016. The facility includes flotation circuits, a tailings storage facility, administration and maintenance buildings, a fully developed underground mine and a Gekko gravity plant. Although on care and maintenance, the plant is considered capable of relatively rapid recommissioning.
Elizabeth Hill, meanwhile, is historically one of Australia’s highest-grade silver projects. Past production totalled about 1.2 million ounces of silver from 16,830 tonnes of ore at a head grade of 2,194 grams per tonne silver, with mining ceasing in 2000 amid low silver prices. The deposit remains open at depth, and consolidation of a roughly 180 square kilometre land package across the Munni Munni fault system has created scope for additional Elizabeth Hill-style discoveries.
Against this backdrop, the MOU provides a structured framework for Artemis and West Coast Silver to explore whether Radio Hill could ultimately provide a cost-effective processing route for any future production from Elizabeth Hill.