Mining plant prepares for expansion

MINING corporation Suvo Strategic Minerals is looking to grow, with the company preparing to expand their Pittong hydrous kaolin processing plant.

The project is expected to cost $5 million, and will see updates to the existing plant including new press decks and automated equipment, and will provide new labour jobs beyond the current 40 labourers.

Suvo is Australia’s only miner of hydrous kaolin, which is a mineral that allows for the production of products like paint, ceramics, paper, fibreglass and pharmaceuticals.

With the Pittong plant’s expansion, Suvo’s yearly output is expected to increase from 27,000 tonnes to 60,000 tonnes, and Henk Ludik, the company’s new non-executive chairman, said its construction will “reshuffle” the way they operate.

“We are looking at expanding and revitalising the existing infrastructure as well as embedding ourselves as a critical player in the local economy,” he said.

“These updates will bring many changes, and we’ll be revisiting technology that has been operation for almost 50 years.

“We’re upgrading our existing plant, and revisiting our resources across our three adjacent Lal Lal, Pittong and Trawalla mines. This is a long-term and meaningful part of our portfolio.”

Development is currently underway, and the plant extensions will be operational by early next year with an expected mining lifespan of over 60 years.

Suvo acquired the Pittong plant from global mineral producer, Imerys, in late 2020, and Mr Ludik said its expansion will allow the company to try their hand at higher-end products like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

The company is also aiming to reduce the environmental impact with the plant, and have recently begun collaborating with ESG+F Pty Ltd in reducing their emissions output, and power and water usage.

Mr Ludik said the upgrades will usher in a new era for Suvo, and that its reconstruction will provide a way for them to reintroduce themselves to the community.

“I’m very happy to finally engage with the community with these expansions, and I look forward to continuing to develop this so we can ensure that we’re part of the community for the next couple of decades,” he said.

“This will be a great way to mark 50 years, and we’re certainly energised about the prospect of resetting the narrative around hydrous kaolin to create something meaningful for the community that Australia can be proud of.”