World stage: Strandline Resources’ Shark Bay Coburn project to mix it with the mineral sands big boys

Strandline Resources is in the advanced stages of turning its Coburn project near Shark Bay into one of the world’s largest mineral sands projects, according to member for Durack Melissa Price. “The Coburn project will provide a significant economic boost to the region and support local employment opportunities throughout the duration of the mine’s projected long life to 2045,” she said. “As global demand for critical minerals that underpin the world’s advanced technologies continues to grow, the Government is committed to supporting projects across the sector’s supply chain.” Ms Price spoke after Strandline secured a $150 million Commonwealth Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility loan to develop the project located 240km north of Geraldton. Company sources say Coburn is rich in Zircon and Titanium sands. Ms Price said the mine would bring many benefits to local communities. Federal Resources minister Keith Pitt said the project would provide jobs and investment for the nation’s resources sector and increase economic activity in the region. “The project is expected to benefit the local region to the tune of $922 million over 25 years,” he said. “It could create up to 315 jobs during the construction phase and up to 190 jobs during the operations phase. “It’s also going to be a shot in the arm for our critical minerals sector, with products from the development to be used in items like ceramic tiles, refractory, paint, titanium metal and welding rods.”