Atlas Iron has announced that it has updated the progress on its targeted production rate of 12 mtpa by next year end.
The company announced that it has secured final environmental approvals for the Mt Dove mine and has obtained all essential agreements and approvals to start mining operations at the Mt Dove mine. Construction will begin in early July 2012 and the company has planned to commission by this year end.
Atlas is looking forward to commence production from the Mt Dove and increase its rate of production to 8 mtpa in North Pilbara during March 2013. The overall Atlas Pilbara blend will be improved by the grade contribution, wherein the life of mine at the Mt Dove project is comparatively short at around 15 months.
MACA has received the construction and operating contracts of the Mt Dove mine from Atlas in order to extend the current collaboration at the Pardoo mine.
The Abydos mine has secured interim approvals and the company has started the construction of temporary accommodation plants to prepare for mining operations during May 2012. Environmental approvals for expanding the Abydos mine are progressing well and the company anticipates receiving the final consent to excavate at Abydos during September 2012. Atlas is looking forward to offer the main construction and operating orders for the Abydos Mine during July 2012.
The company intends to begin production at Mt Webber in December 2013. The rate of production will begin at 2 Mtpa and increase to 6 Mtpa. The production rate of the company may expand to 12 Mtpa.