Sheffield signs zircon sales deal

Mining company Sheffield announced last week it had signed its third agreement for the future sale of zircon from their Thunderbird mineral sands project, about halfway between Broome and Derby.

The memorandum of understanding was signed with India’s largest ceramic raw materials supplier, Sukaso Ceracolors.

A week before, Sheffield had signed agreements with CFM Minerales in Spain and Indian company Ruby Ceramics, after significant product testing and discussions between the parties.

Sheffield managing director Bruce McFadzean said the new agreement spoke volumes for the scale and quality of Thunderbird’s resources across the expected 42-year life of the mine.

“Consumers are clearly positioning themselves to identify potential long-term sources of supply for premium zircon product,” he said.

“The MOU signed with Sukaso confirms Thunderbird’s capability and unique market position as a future source of very high-quality products.”

Construction of the project is expected to start later this year, with first production expected in 2019.