Alien Metals has reached a major milestone in the development of its Hancock iron ore project in Western Australia, with the granting of a 21-year term mining lease. The lease, M47/1633, was issued by the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety, giving Alien Metals rights to the land until 17 April 2045.
In addition to the mining lease, Alien Metals has secured a miscellaneous license to construct necessary infrastructure for site access, pending a final investment decision. The company has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Pilbara Ports for access to the Utah Bulk Handling Facility in Port Hedland, crucial for exporting iron ore from the Hancock Project.
Executive Director Guy Robertson expressed the significance of this achievement, stating that it is a crucial step towards production for the Hancock Project. The company is currently in talks with various parties for the required development funding and is focusing on submitting a mining proposal and environmental assessment.
Last year, Regroup Australia was enlisted by Alien Metals to provide mining operations and haulage services for the Hancock project. The project’s tenements currently hold a Joint Ore Reserve Committee-compliant resource of 8.4 million tonnes of iron ore at 60% iron, with potential for significant exploration upside to support a mining operation of two million tonnes per annum for a decade.
The granting of the mining lease marks a significant development for Alien Metals and its Hancock iron ore project, setting the stage for further growth and progress in the Australian mining sector.
