Glencore to sell Integra mine to their neighbours the Bloomfield Group
With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group.
Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life.
Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry.
Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035.
However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area.
Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra.
"The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said.
"Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export.
"Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024.
"The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra.
"The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine."
Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine.
As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year.
Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings.
Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra.
"This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said.
Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group.
With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group.
Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life.
Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry.
Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035.
However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area.
Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra.
"The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said.
"Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export.
"Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024.
"The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra.
"The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine."
Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine.
As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year.
Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings.
Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra.
"This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said.
Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group.
With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group.
Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life.
Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry.
Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035.
However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area.
Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra.
"The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said.
"Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export.
"Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024.
"The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra.
"The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine."
Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine.
As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year.
Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings.
Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra.
"This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said.
Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group.
With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group.
Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life.
Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry.
Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035.
However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area.
Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra.
"The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said.
"Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export.
"Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024.
"The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra.
"The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine."
Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine.
As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year.
Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings.
Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra.
"This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said.
Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group.
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The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Glencore to sell Integra mine to their neighbours the Bloomfield Group
With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group. Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life. Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry. Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035. However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area. Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra. "The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said. "Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export. "Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024. "The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra. "The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine." Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine. As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year. Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings. Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra. "This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said. Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group. With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group. Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life. Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry. Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035. However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area. Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra. "The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said. "Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export. "Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024. "The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra. "The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine." Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine. As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year. Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings. Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra. "This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said. Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group. With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group. Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life. Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry. Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035. However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area. Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra. "The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said. "Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export. "Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024. "The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra. "The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine." Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine. As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year. Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings. Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra. "This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said. Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group. With the state government busy promoting its plans to establish the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which will help guide the future economic development of coal mining regions, news from the coalface today sees a proposal for Glencore to sell its Integra underground mine near Singleton to its neighbour, the Bloomfield Group. Integra mine ceased production in mid-2024, and by the end of July this year, Glencore hopes to have the mine's underground entrance sealed, thereby marking an end to Integra's productive life. Integra was placed in care and maintenance in 2014 when its then-owners, Brazilian miner Vale, shut down operations in the Hunter Valley during a downturn in the coal industry. Glencore bought the underground mine two years later and brought it back to productive life as it had approval to extract 4.3 million tonnes of coal annually until December 2035. However, due to safety concerns with the roof, Glencore decided to close the mine and begin rehabilitating the site in the current longwall operation area. Commenting on the proposed mine sale, Glencore said that the wholly owned subsidiary Integra Underground Mine (Integra) has entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Bloomfield Collieries' Rix's Creek North Mine. The sale agreement includes the transfer of mining leases and land titles across a portion of Integra. "The sale is subject to several Conditions Precedent, including appropriate regulatory approvals that will be required before completion of the sale," a spokesperson said. "Glencore acquired Integra in 2016 from Vale when it was on care and maintenance and recommenced operations in 2017, producing metallurgical coal for export. "Glencore ceased production at Integra due to adverse strata conditions in June 2024. "The Bloomfield Group will acquire the land next to their current mining operations at Rix's Creek North and has confirmed that they do not plan to restart underground operations at Integra. "The Integra workforce of employees and contractors will continue collaborating with the NSW Government Resources Regulator, the NSW Department of Planning and all other relevant agencies throughout continuing rehabilitation and closure works for the Integra Underground Mine." Earlier this year the Singleton Argus reported on Glencore's closure plans for the mine. As this work progresses, including the sealing of shafts, demolition of fan sites and the disconnection of the gas plant power generator in July, Glencore is seeking approval to fill the mine with wastewater this year. Known as the Integra Project Modification, the company is seeking to pump water into the completed underground workings at Integra using surplus mine water from Glencore's Mount Owen/Glendell Operations, Bloomfield's, Rix's Creek Mine or Integra Underground itself. The objective of the modification is to inundate the mined coal seam workings. Glencore said that now that mining has ceased at the Integra Underground operation, the underground workings will naturally fill with groundwater. The modification will assist post-closure management at Integra. "This will allow water to be transferred from the Mt Owen operation to the Integra Underground operation," they said. Comment has been sought of the sale from the Bloomfield Group.
West Australian
a day ago
- West Australian
Viridis hatches plan for US refinery of Brazilian rare earths product
Viridis Mining & Minerals has unveiled its bold new plans to explore a United States-based rare earth refinery solution through its joint venture entity Viridion, capitalising on surging Western demand for critical minerals amid China's tightening rare earths monopoly. The company is now eyeing North America to cement its role as a cornerstone in a vertically integrated, ex-China rare earth supply chain. The move comes as the US ramps up its efforts to secure sustainable sources of magnet rare earth oxides (REO) vital for electric vehicles, defence systems and renewable energy technologies. Viridion is a 50:50 partnership with ASX-listed technology leader Ionic Rare Earths. Through Ionic, Viridis is updating a scoping study to assess the feasibility of producing a US mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) from its flagship Colossus project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study, set for completion in the second half of this year, will build on Ionic's blueprint for a Tennessee-based facility capable of producing 4000 tonnes per annum of separated magnet REO, including dysprosium and terbium, which are also ensnared in China's export restrictions. Viridis' renowned premium MREC product already looks to be an industry leader, thanks to negligible impurities and cheap processing. Its robust economics, even in a low-price environment, make it an attractive feedstock for global refineries and could help meet the US's urgent need for traceable, high-purity materials. The US refinery scoping study will evaluate a pilot-scale facility, with discussions already advanced for a Brazilian site to validate processing methodologies. The proposed Tennessee plant, strategically located near potential US partners, would leverage Ionic Technologies' proprietary separation processes, for which Viridion holds exclusive global rights outside Asia and Uganda. Viridion has had its foot to the floor recently, with the joint venture last month delivering high-purity neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium oxide from recycled magnets, utilising Ionic's cutting-edge hydrometallurgical technology. Last week, the company secured a slice of the Brazilian Government's US$1.4 billion (A$2.15B) strategic minerals program. The funding has turbocharged plans for its local refining and recycling assets, setting the stage for Viridis to export its proven technology to a potential US facility. Viridis maintains its focus remains with the Colossus project in Brazil, where a pre-feasibility study with engineering firm Hatch is on track for completion within the month. A February scoping study at the project forecast a staggering US$2.28B (A$3.6B) in EBITDA over a 20-year mine life, driven primarily by the all-important magnet rare earths neodymium and praseodymium. The project's ultra-low operating costs of US$6 a kilogram (A$9.2/kg) total rare earth oxides and high-grade heavy rare earths – estimated at 146 to 156 tonnes per annum of dysprosium and terbium in the first decade - place it in the lowest quartile of rare earth production globally. The company is engaged in advanced offtake and financing talks with strategic partners, following a successful environmental impact assessment submission in January. As global supply chains grapple with geopolitical risks, Viridis and by extension Viridion are emerging as front-runners in the race to secure critical minerals. Their US ambitions, now backed by Brazilian government support and Ionic's proven technology, position Viridion to bridge the gap between Western demand and non-Chinese supply. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
West Australian
3 days ago
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Aguia locks in $4M loan to kick-start Brazilian phosphate production
Aguia Resources has locked in a $4 million loan from the government-owned Southern Development Bank in Brazil to refurbish the company's recently leased processing plant and kick-start mining operations at its Tres Estradas phosphate project. The 20-year loan covers the initial $118,000 capital expenditure required to kick off mining activities and fund an estimated $1.97M needed to bring the plant up to speed to process an expected 100,000 tonnes of phosphate annually. The company is eyeing processing operations beginning in January next year on its organic phosphate product, dubbed Pampafos. Recent field trials showed Pampafos rivals the performance of top-shelf imported fertilisers at a fraction of their price. Aguia recently leased its plant in Caçapava do Sul from century-old agricultural limestone firm Dagoberto Barcellos SAS. The decision to lease a suitable facility may turn out to be a masterstroke, as it avoids the need for a capital raise for a new plant and its considerable associated shareholder dilution. Aguia secured a 10-year lease on the fully operational Dagoberto Barcelos processing plant for what appears to be a modest $43,000 monthly fee and a one-off payment of $1.36M. After a $1.97M refurb and small capital expenditure outlay at the mine site, local mine services firm Contrasaper will then be positioned to supercharge mining activities at the project. Contrasaper's imprimatur is to undertake contract mining at the project and transport the phosphate to feed the processing facility at Caçapava do Sul, one of the oldest municipalities in the state of Rio Grande Do Sul. Grigor said the outcome was significantly better, in time and money, than spending $30M on a new production facility for the same production capacity. After leasing the processing facility, Aguia kicked off discussions with the Southern Development Bank to secure sufficient funds to bring the impressive project to life. The loan facility will be secured against the surface rights held by Aguia at Tres Estradas and has a credit limit of R$15M (A$4M) with a 20-year term, including a three-year grace period. The interest rate is based on the Brazilian SELIC, the benchmark rate set by the Brazilian Central bank, currently 14.75 per cent, plus an additional 4.75 per cent margin from the Southern Development Bank. Aguia is looking to upscale its plant to churn out a minimum 300,000t per annum by the end of 2026 and wants the funding facility to play a role in supporting the upgrade. The company has been running tests with remarkable success on its 12 per cent high-grade phosphorus pentoxide Pampafos product since 2019 at its Rio Grande do Sul-based operation. It recently revealed the results of a two-year independent field trial on its standard 6 per cent grade Lavratto product. The company says the findings could transform Brazil's phosphate-hungry agricultural heartland. Conducted by renowned agronomist Dr Felipe de Campos Carmona, at the Integrar/Agrinova Technological Centre, the trial spanned both winter and summer crop cycles. Phosphate was applied to ryegrass and oats in winter, followed by soybeans and corn in the summer. Aguia's locally produced phosphorus was pitted head-to-head with the likes of imported 32 per cent grade Moroccan phosphate, triple superphosphate and super-high-grade 48 per cent monoammonium phosphate (MAP). The trials showed the company's products match or outperform the yield outcomes of the established fertilisers, with Aguia's Lavratto 6 per cent product topping the yield tables when applied at 200 kilograms per hectare (kg/ha), outstripping even expensive MAP fertilisers. The trend appeared across soybean-ryegrass and oat-corn crops. Ryegrass responded particularly well to Pampafos at a higher 200kg/ha application, punching in dry yields above 8 tonnes per hectare. This is comparable to Morocco's phosphate and MAP, despite being a significantly lower-grade product. The real game-changer could be in the cost to farmers. The company says Pampafos will be marketed locally for a retail price of just $200–230 per tonne compared to more than $1000 for MAP - a massive price advantage, even before factoring in freight costs. Phosphate feedstock will initially come from the Pampafos deposit, about 100km from the plant. However, drilling is already hammering away at its Mato Grande and Passo Feio prospects, which are much closer to the processing facility. This should trigger a reduction in haulage costs and ramp up profit margins further. While the Tres Estradas project seems set to become a meaningful addition to Aguia's stable, the company's eye remains firmly on its flagship Santa Barbara gold project in Colombia. Yesterday it revealed early-stage results hinting at the potential discovery of a high-grade gold system lurking 40 metres beneath the existing mine. It plunged in the first two holes of a 25-hole campaign and has already struck mineralised quartz veins and key fault structures. Importantly, the hits appear to confirm its geological model and point to a potentially much bigger gold system. Aguia says when drilling the first hole to a depth of 107.4m, it encountered a 0.7m thick quartz vein containing known gold pathfinders. The deeper intersection appears to be an extension of a shallow vein, which was partially mined in a trial operation that processed 500t at an average 20 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. The second hole, still being drilled to reach 138.6m depth, struck the same near-surface veining and is showing a similar mineralised system beyond the fault. The two drill holes have combined for nearly 300m of drilling so far. The company released an internal study in April estimating an eye-popping exploration target of two to four million tonnes of material grading up to 30g/t gold. Its small processing plant has had a facelift and is now turning over 30t per day of ore, with a leap to 50tpd expected by July when a new primary crusher comes online. With the Brazilian phosphate project slated to kick into production early next year, along with Colombian gold being produced from trial mining and an expected ramp up in production to come, Aguia may soon pack a heavy-handed one-two punch. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
