Woodsmith mine22 Feb 2024 09:23
Woodsmith project
Throughout 2023, we saw continued good progress on the core infrastructure, with capital expenditure of $641 million (2022: $522 million). Sinking activities at the two deep shafts continue to progress well. The service shaft is now c.745 metres deep, having reached the expected depth for the year. Sinking activities on the production shaft began in January 2023 as planned, at 120 metres below the surface, and following a successful ramp-up to planned sinking rates, is now at a depth of c.510 metres.
Excavation of the three shallow shafts that will provide both ventilation and additional access to the Mineral Transport System (MTS) tunnel is complete. The MTS tunnel is also progressing to plan and has now reached c.27.5 km of the total 37 km length.
During 2024, a key focus area for shaft sinking will be on progress through a strata called the Sherwood sandstone, where we expect sink rates to decrease due to the expected hardness of the rock and potential water fissures. This is planned for in progress rates, and the intersection of the strata is expected around mid-2024. On the tunnel boring machine, there is a planned 3-4 month maintenance pause from the second quarter of 2024, during which the tunnel will be connected to the final intermediate shaft, providing further tunnel access and ventilation.
In parallel to the core infrastructure development, we are enhancing the project's configuration to allow a higher production capacity and more efficient, scalable mining methods over time. The required studies for this are progressing well and will ensure that additional infrastructure is optimally designed to enable future optionality and maximise long term value over the expected multi-decade asset life.
The project is planned to be submitted for a Board approval decision on Full Notice to Proceed in the first half of 2025, following conclusion of the study programme.
Capital expenditure of $0.9 billion is approved for 2024, the bulk of which will continue to be invested on shaft sinking and tunnel boring activities.
The project is expected to deliver first product to market in 2027, with a final design capacity of 13 Mtpa, subject to studies and approval.