Australian copper producer and explorer Austral Resources Australia has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Maronan Metals to jointly evaluate the potential toll treatment of ore from the Maronan project at Austral’s Rocklands processing facility near Cloncurry, Queensland.
The proposed collaboration supports Austral’s strategy to position itself as a regional consolidator and processing hub, leveraging existing infrastructure to unlock value from third-party deposits across the Cloncurry mineral province.
“Whilst there is still metallurgical work and commercial negotiations yet to be completed in relation to the MoU, we are buoyed that the company’s assets continue to be attractive to third parties (similar to our alliance with North West Minerals), and that our strategy to be the consolidation vehicle for the region is resonating with both shareholders and the broader community,” said Austral Chairman David Newling.
The agreement outlines a framework for both companies to assess the technical, commercial, logistical and regulatory feasibility of toll treating ore at Rocklands.
The Maronan project is located approximately 65 kilometres south of Cloncurry. The lead-silver and copper-gold deposit is an emerging base metal deposit in the world-class Carpentaria Province.Sources: Austral Resources and Maronan Metals