Image Resources NL expects higher ore production in the next three years from its wholly owned Boonanarring mineral sands project in Western Australia following a 24% increase in the ore grade for total heavy minerals.

The company expects heavy mineral concentrate production of 830,000 tonnes in 2020, 2021 and 2022, compared to 740,000 tonnes forecast in the bankable feasibility study.

The Boonanarring ore reserve has decreased to 10.7 million tonnes after depletion, from 19.9 Mt, and the grade has increased to 8.9% total heavy minerals from 7.2%. The zircon content grade in the ore reserve climbed to 27.5%, from 22.7%.

The company said Dec. 20 that there was no loss of high-value zircon tonnes in the updated ore reserve despite the reduction of ore tonnes.

Image secured sales deals for a total of 65,000 tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate for the December quarter, including 20,000 tonnes to Natfort, and 45,000 tonnes to Hainan Wensheng.