News

Primero Secures Third Major Contract

Western Australia-based Primero Group is set to secure its third major contract this year on a mining project.

Primero has recently executed a letter of intent with the lead contractor of Northern Minerals’ Browns Range project, Sinosteel MECC. Under the contract, Primero’s scope of works will include concrete, mechanical and electrical installation as well as testing and commissioning of the pilot process plant that will produce dysprosium – a heavy rare earth mineral.

“We are pleased that Sinosteel MECC has selected a quality local partner for the process plant installation component of the project. Primero is well known in the WA mining sector as a trusted partner that delivers results,” Northern Minerals Managing Director and CEO George Bauk said.

Primero is expected to begin works on the Browns Range pilot plant project in the third quarter of 2017.

The company has also secured a contract from Tawana Resources for works on the Bald Hill lithium and tantalum mine in the eastern Goldfields in Western Australia. Primero’s scope of works include completing the detailed design and engineering for the mine as well as ordering long-lead items for the mine’s processing circuit.

The Bald Hill mine is owned by Alliance Mineral Assets Limited (AMAL) – a Singapore Exchange-listed company – with Tawana Resources earning a 50 per cent interest under a farm-in and joint venture agreement with AMAL.

“The rapid progress the company is making gives us great confidence that the Bald Hill Mine should become the next lithium producer in Australia. Our straightforward metallurgy and excellent existing infrastructure has allowed us to commence early works and order long lead items,” Tawana Managing Director Mark Calderwood said.

Primero’s third major contract win is for a sub-contractor position to RCR Tomlinson on Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora lithium project. RCR was awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the project earlier in 2017, and has now chosen Primero and Minnovo to provide engineering as well as technical support.