Following an optimization of the mine plan for theLa Parrillaopen pit tungsten mine in Spain, WResources Plc has decided to start mining at a higher rate of 1.95million tonnes per annum, compared to 875,000 tonnes per annum the previousplan.

Instead of the 1,300 tonnes per annum of concentratepreviously estimated,the company said July 20 that it will now initially produce 2,500 tonnes perannum.

Initial mining, plant commissioning, tungsten concentrateproduction, and sales to customers will start in the fourth quarter usingexisting on-site plant and facilities.

The mine will ramp up to a 90% higher production rate frommid-2017, when construction of the processing plant is completed. The plantwill be twice as large compared to the previous plan, the company said.

W Resources said that ramp up to full production is expectedwithin six to 12 months from the start of production, and no increase in plantcapital costs is anticipated.

There is also potential to increase the size of initial pitsand extend the mine life, and drilling of the lateral extension of the FastTrack mine to the north and south has kicked off.

Chairman Michael Masterman said negotiations to finance the2016 production targets via initial customer off-take contracts are progressingwell.