Borefield development progressing at Lake Wells SOP project

A total of 11 new bores have been drilled in this current programme, of the 76 new bores scheduled to be developed through project construction. A further three existing brine production bores make up the balance of the 79 brine bores in the optimised borefield design coming out of the project's Front End Engineering Design Study.

On the current schedule, it is anticipated that by the end of the December 2021 quarter, 60% of the production borefield capacity, by volume, will be established.

A programme of step rate testing commenced within the past week to obtain information on the condition and efficiency of selected production bores drilled in this programme. Constant rate testing is planned to assist in determining bore yields.

Australian Potash have engaged Corey Milne as a specialist consultant, specifically in the field of SOP production from brine. Corey has over 30 years’ experience in the operation of brine filled solar concentration/harvest ponds and processing to produce SOP. Corey will provide an overview of both the project’s development pathway and operational aspects.

A heritage survey was conducted in the last week of September 2021 with heritage consultants and Traditional Custodians. Building on the previous ethnographic surveys, this survey was conducted to assist with preparing site avoidance and management strategies, if and where applicable, at the project. No sites of cultural significance were identified across the proposed development areas surveyed.

The following activities are scheduled for 4Q21:

• Continuation of the bore drilling programme;
• Earthworks relating to access and drill pad preparation; and
• Documentary close on the development debt programme.

Image shows brine production bore drilling at Lake Wells, courtesy of Australian Potash.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/potash/19102021/borefield-development-progressing-at-lake-wells-sop-project/