CELEBRATIONS AS FIRST BULK EXPORT LEAVES BROOME.

• Approximately 10,000 tonnes of zircon from the Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project shipped
• First bulk shipment of mineral sands products to be exported from the Port of Broome
• Product will be delivered to KMS’ international offtake partners

Celebrating a pivotal moment in the company’s history, Kimberley Mineral Sands has recently exported the first bulk shipment of zircon mineral sands concentrate from its Thunderbird Mineral Sands Project in the West Kimberley.

The circa 10,000 tonne zircon shipment, which left the Port of Broome onboard the MV Pacific Fortune at the weekend, is bound for KMS’ international offtake partners.

Kimberley Mineral Sands Chief Operating Officer Michael Rose said the landmark moment marked a significant achievement for Thunderbird and was the culmination of many years of hard work, planning and investment.

“Thanks to the support of our joint venture partners, the local community, government and investors, today we celebrated the inaugural export of bulk mineral sands from Broome.

Mr Rose said the company was looking forward to further contributing to the local and West Australian economy for many years to come, cementing Kimberley Mineral Sands’ position as a key player in the global mineral sands market.

It’s estimated that Thunderbird will produce 6.5% of global zircon supply and 3.5% of global ilmenite over the 36 year life of the mine.

Zircon is used primarily in the manufacture of everyday ceramics, including tiles, bathrooms and kitchen crockery. It is also used in a range of production processes in refractories and foundry casting, as well as catalytic fuel converters, and air and water purification systems.