Australian miner CuFe is maintaining options for expansion when market conditions improve after completing the operational ramp-up of the initial openpit development of the JWD iron ore deposit at Wiluna West in WA.
The small, low-strip ratio development is designed to feed planned 2023 sales at lower costs, to maximise near-term cashflow.
Exec director Mark Hancock sees encouraging signs in global iron ore markets, with higher demand and low daily inventory levels at Chinese mills, supporting a pit cutback to access further high-grade ore.
CuFe holds 60% of JWD, and shareholders are expected to vote in May on its proposed acquisition of the 40% stakeheld by major shareholder Gold Valley Group.