New Century announces start of zinc pipeline operation

As reported by national news outlet The North West Star, Australian firm New Century outlined that zinc concentrate is now being delivered via the company’s recently developed slurry pipeline for export through the Karumba Port Facility.

The pipeline extends from a mine in Lawn Hill to the company’s port facility on the gulf of Carpentaria.

The commissioning process, according to New Century, included hydrostatic testing, two cleaning pigs through the entire length of the pipeline and developing an operational ramp up of all three Wirth pumps used to transport the slurry along the pipeline.

The mine in question was acquired by New Century in early 2017 following closure by its former owner the year before. New Century estimates that the exports will reach amounts of 300-400,000 tonnes per year over a 6.5-year mine life span.

The Perth-based company hopes to become one of the top 10 global zinc suppliers once the slurry pipeline reaches full capacity.