Construction of Altura Mining’s world-class hard-rock open pit Pilgangoora lithium mine is moving ahead with construction, mining and maintenance group NPJV tasked with building stage one of the haul road for the Pilbara-based project.
Stage One of the construction project will employ 15 NPJV personnel and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2018.
NPJV Managing Director Scott Dryland said the company’s continuing partnership with Altura and its contractors was testament to its innovative business model and focus on delivering quality outcomes.
“Our success to date has been driven by the high-level mining and construction experience and knowledge of our executive team and the energy and commitment of the Njamal workers and business owners who are undertaking the contracts,” he said.
“It’s a unique combination of skills and abilities which is turning the traditional Indigenous contracting model on its head and proving that partnering with a Native Title Party can deliver superior project results.”
Mr Dryland said NPJV believes it is well placed to secure the contract to construct Stage Two of the Pilgangoora haul road which is scheduled for completion in July 2018.
The latest contract follows NPJV’s successful completion of two water storage dams (turkey nests) and a pipeline corridor to enable supply of construction water for the road project.
NPJV also has a General Services Agreement with Altura to provide general maintenance and minor works at the mine site.
The company is an un-incorporated joint venture between Njamal Services and the Pilbara Resource Group and provides opportunities and development for the Njamal people, the
traditional owners of the land stretching east of South Hedland, past Marble Bar and out to Wandanyaon the Great Sandy Desert.
Pilgangoora is expected to initially produce approximately 230,000 tonnes of lithium spodumene concentrate per annum.
Stage One construction of Pilgangoora is on schedule for first lithium concentrate sales in the June quarter. Construction is fully funded from a $US110 million ($141 million) loan from US and Swiss-based investors in July last year.
Stage Two will see Altura aim to increase output at the project to 450,000 tonnes annually to be aligned with offtake partners’ growth plans.
