Gekko Systems to Build Tungsten Ore Processing Plant for Dolphin Mine

Gekko Systems says it has signed a construction contract with Group 6 Metals Limited for the design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of a tungsten ore processing plant and associated facilities for the redevelopment of G6M's 100% owned Dolphin Mine on King Island, Tasmania.

The contract is valued at approximately A$49 million (US$35 million) and the facility is expected to be commissioned in the March 2023 quarter. Under this schedule, the first ore from the Dolphin mine will also be shipped to customers within these three months.

For the past three years Gekko has been working with G6M (formerly King Island Scheelite) and together they have developed a process map which was developed following extensive independent testing work on behalf of G6M at their ALS laboratory in Burnie, Tasmania.

Upon execution of the contract, G6M plans to begin earthworks in early March 2022 in preparation for civil works that will begin shortly thereafter.

Johann Jacobs, Executive Chairman of Group 6 Metals, said, "We have successfully worked very closely with Gekko over the years, which has allowed us to execute this major contract so soon after the project financing was completed. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Gekko to ensure a high-quality facility completed on time and within budget".

Elizabeth Lewis-Gray, Chairman of Gekko Systems, added: "This is an important resource development project and one for Tasmania and Victoria. The Gekko team is proud to have the opportunity to work with and provide Group 6 Metals with a high quality, locally designed and built tungsten ore processing plant solution."

An October report from King Island Scheelite outlined a 400,000 tonne/year ore operation producing 275,000 metric tons of units of tungsten oxide.

Gekko was founded in 1996 in regional Victoria, Australia. Gekko started out producing InLine Pressure Jigs for continuous gravity separation. Yet growing demand for energy-efficient devices spurred Gekko to re-invent and advance traditional processing flowsheets.