The Gulf Project Precinct located near the Provincial Capital of Kerema in PNG includes the Orokolo Bay, Gulf South, and Malalaua projects.
In December 2020, a Mining Lease Application was submitted for the flagship Orokolo Bay Project which will produce a number of products including titano-magnetite, construction sands and a zircon-rich heavy mineral concentrate.
This followed the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the project which reinforced its status as a simple, low CAPEX, and financially robust project with multiple product revenue streams.
The DFS confirmed that the project will produce a post-tax (real) NPV of US$131 million (10% discount rate) and an IRR of 103.7%. An operational design with an initial CAPEX of US$20.5 million has been calculated to establish a simple near surface mining operation that is forecast to produce 0.5mtpa of titano-magnetite, 1mtpa of construction sand and up to 10ktpa of zircon-rich heavy mineral concentrate.
Site enabling works have commenced at Orokolo Bay and offtake discussions are ongoing with the focus being on high value magnetite into the Asian market.
A 25-year Environmental Permit issued by the CEPA is in place for Orokolo Bay which is expected to leave a lasting legacy for local landowners through the proposed post-mining sustainability land use initiative of a mechanised Sago plantation.
Gulf South has similar geology to Orokolo Bay and offers a JORC Resource extension opportunity. Whilst Malalaua, situated along the coast from Orokolo Bay, has the potential to be a repeat of Orokolo Bay and allow for a duplication of the planned development.