Despite recovering from the impact of cyclone Jasper, EQ Resources (EQR) celebrates a milestone in tungsten production at its Mount Carbine mine in Queensland. The company reports a significant increase in production for the March quarter, reaching 507 tonnes, marking a 38% surge compared to the previous quarter.
EQR attributes this record production to the continued ramp-up of operations in the open pit at Mount Carbine. The extraction of nearly 800,000 tonnes of material during the quarter, coupled with increased crushing plant production to 80,000 tonnes per month in February and March, contributed to this achievement.
Buoyed by the escalating mining and crushing rates, EQR has made strategic investments, including the order of a fourth new-generation TOMRA XRT ore sorter. Additionally, plans are underway to upgrade the existing two XRT sorters with the latest ejection modules and updated software. These enhancements are expected to more than double sorting capacity at Mount Carbine, further optimizing operations.
In addition to its operations in North Queensland, EQR also manages the Barruecopardo tungsten operations in Spain. CEO Kevin MacNeill emphasizes the significance of continuous improvements in sensor-based sorting technologies, highlighting their positive impact on operational efficiency and profitability.
MacNeill underscores the strategic timing of these advancements, coinciding with a firming global price of tungsten concentrate and reports of tight supply in key end-user markets. EQR aims to leverage its market-leading position as it progresses towards full production at both Mount Carbine and Barruecopardo, positioning itself for sustained growth and success in the tungsten market.
