Mining and Processing

Mining at Wiluna will be via a shallow strip excavation process with no blasting and drilling required. The maximum mining depth will be 15 metres, and the estimated maximum area of ground disturbance is 3,111 hectares for mining of the Centipede, Millipede, Lake Maitland and Lake Way deposits.

Toro proposes to use an alkaline agitated leach technique to process the ore. The ore will be crushed and ground then heated up to 90°C in a highly alkaline liquid where the uranium is separated from the solid in a multi-step process. Finally the uranium is converted back to solid form (precipitated) from the solution. The end product, uranium oxide concentrate, is packed into sealed drums for transport.

In-pit tailings will be undertaken at Centipede and Millipede only, leaving behind no mined out voids. Rehabilitation will be progressive throughout the mine life and completed to return the mined area to as close as possible to the original natural landscape.

Toro has successfully completed a trial mine and a comprehensive metallurgical test work program including a pilot plant trial. These studies substantially reduced the technical risk of the project by generating critical information that was used to support the engineering design of the project.