MMG will start a full-scale trial at its zinc mine in Queensland, warning residents near Cloncurry to expect increased traffic in the area.
The Dugald River Project is still a few years away from its first shipment of zinc, lead and silver concentrate, but for the next three months the company will trial the logistics of trucking the ore to its processing plants near Lawn Hill.
MMG spokeswoman Jillian D'urso says motorists should expect extra traffic on the roads during the trial, ABC reported.
"We're expecting up to about 25 extra road trains per day around from the Quamby area and up through to the Lawn Hill-Gregory Road … site," she said.
"We're moving about 100,000 tonnes – it'll take about three months once we've got enough stockpiled, we expect the trial itself of the ore going through the plant that is just to take a couple of days.
"We just ask that people take additional care when travelling on sections on the Burke Development Road near Quamby right through to the threeways and then along Lawn Hill-Gregory Road.
"We just encourage people to take a little bit of extra care and to make sure to drive slowly and we appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation as we move the ore between sites."
MMG was given approval to begin mining at site in August 2012.
At the time an MMG spokesperson said the mine would produce 20 000 tonnes of zinc a year and 900 000 ounces of silver for approximately 23 years.
"It's one of the world's largest and highest grade lead, zinc and silver deposits,” she said.
The project capital costs are expected to be between US$1 to $1.25 billion.
Image: ibtimes.com