Western Areas continues to expand its Odysseus project in Western Australia through the development of further orebodies, while completing its early works program on schedule.
The company is working towards completing the mine design for the AM5/6 deposits in the October quarter.
The deposits contained 57,600 tonnes nickel indicated mineral resource, which were not included in the definitive feasibility study (DFS).
Western Areas will upgrade a further 106 camp rooms (totalling 266) during the second half of this year to cater for increased construction activity.
“The company is fully committed to the development of the Odysseus mine and is very excited to be in a position to advance the next phase of the underground rehabilitation program down to the AM5/6 orebodies, which will allow new decline development toward the Odysseus deposit,” Western Areas managing director Dan Lougher said.
“The potential to mine ore from these deposits will provide both upside and optionality within the mining production sequence.”
Western Areas has finalised its decline rehabilitation, with pump station mechanical and electrical designs complete. It has also awarded or substantially completed all required tenders and contracts for ongoing works.
The company remains on track to deliver first nickel ore at Odysseus in 2022. The site has a mine life in excess of 10 years.
Dewatering of the Cosmos open pit is also substantially complete, with only limited water to be removed, according to Western Areas.