WA mining minister Bill Johnston has welcomed Chinese company Ningzia Tianyuan Manganese Industry’s decision to restart its Woodie Woodie mine in the Pilbara.
TMI has announced it will invest $30 million to bring the manganese mine back into production.
Woodie Woodie is located 400km south-east of Port Hedland, and is targeting production of 1.3mt to 1.5mt.
The mine was placed into care and maintenance in February 2016, during a major dip in the manganese price, but with that on the rebound in recent months, TMI acquired Consolidated Minerals Limited, one of the world’s largest manganese ore producers, and plans to re-open Woodie Woodie in October 2017.
“It was a very tough decision to close Woodie Woodie, but at the time it was simply unviable,” ConsMin boss Oleg Sheyko said.
“We are now confident in the manganese market outlook and with an exploration investment can see Woodie Woodie continuing into the future. This is a great outcome for ConsMin, the Pilbara region and Western Australia.”
Minister Johnston agreed.
“The reopening of Woodie Woodie is fantastic news for the Western Australian economy and a positive sign for the future of the mining sector,” the minister said.
“The McGowan Government welcome’s ConsMin’s significant investment that will provide long-term economic benefits for the state.”