XOrion Minerals Ltd. expects its flagship Prieska zinc-copper mine in South Africa to start production by 2021, Mining Weekly reported Dec. 13, citing COO Walter Shamu.

Shamu also told a media briefing that the company plans to release an updated resource in the nearer term and the results of a bankable feasibility study by the second quarter of 2019.

Approval for mining rights is expected for mid-2019. Construction is forecast to start in the second half of 2019.

The company is also considering a dewatering program of about 8 million to 10 million cubic meters that would take between 18 and 24 months to complete. This would take place concurrent to shaft refurbishment and setup.

A related Mining MX report noted that mines of similar size cost about A$250 million to develop.