- 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000 200,000 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Total Feed Material Produced in Tons Fines (Hauled + Pumped) Sorter Feed (est) - 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Ore Sorter Concentrate Production (Tonnes) Figure 3 - Total Head feed in the Crushing Plant for 2023. Ore Sorter Plant The Ore Sorter Plant has recently received a new XRT sorter “TOMRA 3” to replace the original “TOMRA 1”. TOMRA 3 has been successfully commissioned and is delivering improved availability rates and feed production consistency. Furthermore, the installation of a new conveyor belt for sorter product has expanded our output stockpile capacity, consequently reducing the need for excessive machinery traffic to sustain production levels. A noteworthy transformation within the Ore Sorter Plant involves the conversion of the dry screen into a wet screen. This adaptation allows for the efficient pumping of fines that were traditionally loaded and hauled after being collected during the screening process of the 40mm material. This tungsten-rich material is now seamlessly pumped directly to the Crushing Plant and subsequently forwarded to the Gravity Plant, thereby minimising the handling of feed and enhancing operational efficiency. Parallel to our approach at the Crushing Plant, operators assigned to the Ore Sorter Plant undergo continuous training to specialise their skill sets for their specific roles within the plant. This initiative aims to elevate the proficiency of our on-site workforce. Over the past year, the Sorter Plant has achieved an average yield of 10.52%, processing 405,000 tonnes of feed and producing 42,808 tonnes of tungsten-bearing sorter concentrate for further crushing and processing through the Gravity Plant. Gravity Plant The diligent execution of continuous improvement programs during the previous financial year has yielded substantial benefits in the current financial period, resulting in an impressive average running time of 78%. This demonstrates significant progress from the 72% achieved the previous year. The Gravity Plant has had a record year with over 362,000 tonnes of -6mm head feed through the Plant over the target of 336,000 tonnes. This head feed consisted of -6mm fines material and the XRT Sorter concentrate. - 50.00 100.00 150.00 200.00 250.00 300.00 350.00 400.00 450.00 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Q1 2024 Gravity Plant W03 Equ. Concentrate Production (t) 50% WO3 Equiv September Forecast - 20,000.00 40,000.00 60,000.00 80,000.00 100,000.00 120,000.00 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Gravity Plant Head Feed Throughput (t) Head Feed Target Head Feed Figure 5 - Gravity Plant Head Feed for 2023. Figure 6 - Gravity Plant W03 Concentrate Production for 2023. *Based on wet weight off the scale. - 50.00 100.00 150.00 200.00 250.00 300.00 350.00 400.00 450.00 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Q1 2024 Gravity Plant W03 Equ. Concentrate Production (t) 50% WO3 Equiv September Forecast - 20,000.00 40,000.00 60,000.00 80,000.00 100,000.00 120,000.00 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Gravity Plant Head Feed Throughput (t) Head Feed Target Head Feed Despite ongoing success, the operational landscape presented its share of challenges over the year. Shipping costs escalated beyond expectations, leading to considerable delays in equipment deliveries. While the operation remained unhampered by enforced shutdowns, logistical complexities persisted in procuring spare parts and additional equipment, causing occasional delays in expansion initiatives. In response, our on-site operational team bolstered inventory facilities and slightly increased inventory holdings to mitigate supply disruptions. Where possible and feasible, the Company sources equipment from local equipment providers to support the community and minimise freight expenses. Figure 4 - Ore Sorter Concentrate Production for FY 2023. - 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000 180,000 200,000 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Total Feed Material Produced in Tons Fines (Hauled + Pumped) Sorter Feed (est) - 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 Q1 2023 Q2 2023 Q3 2023 Q4 2023 Ore Sorter Concentrate Production (Tonnes) Total Feed Material Produced (t) Ore Sorter Concentrate Production (t) Gravity Plant Head Feed Throughput (t) Gravity Plant WO3 Equ. Concentrate Production (t) EQ Resources Limited Annual Report 2023 13
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjE2NDg3