The start-up processing plant is taking shape at Centrex Metals’ Ardmore phosphate rock project in North West Queensland.

The wet processing plant will have an initial capacity of 70tph and has been designed to expand to 140tph for the full-scale operation, which will produce 800,000 wet tonnes of phosphate rock per annum.

Chief executive officer Simon Slesarewich said the mechanical work had been completed and electrical installation was underway.

Local contractors Cava Hydraulics have carried out the mechanical and electrical work for the plant, while Lamont Group undertook the earthworks required on site.

CDE Global fabricated the modular plant before it was shipped from the UK for the Ardmore project and have also had a team on site to oversee installation.

The Ardmore start-up operation will produce up to 30,000 wet tonnes of concentrate to provide 5000-tonne shipments for priority customers – helping to secure long-term offtake contracts for the premium fertiliser product.

These will underpin the financing of full-scale operations, planned for 2020.

Mr Slesarewich said the start-up plant was due to start producing concentrate by the end of the year.

Start-up operations are only expected to involve a 20-strong workforce on site, but this would rise to 130 people (85 on site at any one time) at full capacity.

“We’re really keen to get into operation and produce a new mine,” Mr Slesarewich said.

The project is being assessed for a loan under the $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, and has progressed to due diligence phase of that process.