Centrex is continuing to advance its Ardmore Stage 1.5 expansion, with the arrival of additional cyclone banks to boost processing capacity.

The company expects to install and commission the new cyclone banks during the second half of this year.

This is set to enhance plant separation and efficiency, which will enable higher hourly throughput rates at the North-West Queensland phosphate mine.

Centrex said these higher throughput rates, in combination with night shift processing which kicked off last month, were expected to result in a sharp lift in beneficiated phosphate concentrate production throughout the remainder of 2024.

Related: Progress by the shipload for Ardmore mine growth

This increased production is expected to lift revenues, enhance operational efficiencies, and reduce operating costs on a per tonne, FOB Townsville basis.

It comes in the wake of the successful installation of a wet concentrate overflow storage pad and northern drying pads to allow greater quantities of beneficiated phosphate concentrate to be processed, dried and sold.

“Centrex continues to realise concrete milestones for its Stage 1.5 expansion at Ardmore, positioning the company to become a major supplier of beneficiated phosphate concentrate,” Centrex chief executive officer and and managing director Robert Mencel said.

“Capital remains allocated in a prudent manner, ensuring the expansion remains on budget and on schedule as previously outlined.

“During December 2024, upon the conclusion of the Stage 1.5 expansion, Ardmore will unlock a production run-rate of 625ktpa, transforming it into a highly cashflow-positive asset for the company.

“The advantage of the greater operational efficiencies provided by the company’s Stage 1.5 expansion will become increasingly evident as production experiences a substantial increase over Q3 and Q4 CY2024, thanks to the substantial efforts of our team.”

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