NQ Minerals PLC (AQSE:NQMI)(OTCQB:NQMLF) has contracted a second, high capacity mining dredge to augment its mining operations at the Hellyer project in Tasmania.
The second dredge has a capacity to move 100 tonnes of ore per hour, and is likely to be on-site and operational at Hellyer by year end.
The existing mining dredge, Seabird III, is currently feeding 110 tonnes per hour to the processing plant.
As well as providing for an increase of tonnage, the second dredge allows for the mitigation of the risk of a major stoppage of feed to the plant, and for a continuation of operations when Seabird III is being serviced or maintained.
"This additional mining capacity will provide valuable back-up for operations at the Hellyer Mine and allow for additional plant feed through 2020 as the management on site optimise throughput towards full production,” said David Lenigas, chairman of NQ Minerals.