Lake Vermont CHPP PFS Study

Jellinbah Resources sought to expand Lake Vermont Mine by developing an underground resource adjoining existing open cut operations. The key challenge was integrating underground ROM coal into established surface infrastructure without compromising safety, throughput or plant performance.

The scope required coordinated PFS-level engineering across civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and process disciplines. Complexities included optioneering for underground ROM handling, designing new pre-processing infrastructure (reclaim tunnels, conveyors, screening, crushing, loadout and civil works), and modifying the existing CHPP dump station to accommodate both rear tip haul trucks and B-Triple side tippers.

Additional challenges included upgrading the CPP fines circuit to manage higher fines content, validating the Life-of-Mine schedule through semi-dynamic simulation modelling, and preparing Class 4 CAPEX and OPEX estimates supported by market pricing.

Phronis delivered a coordinated, multi-discipline PFS that combined engineering design, optioneering and operational modelling to provide a fully integrated solution.

We undertook structured option assessments for underground ROM handling and fines circuit upgrades to identify optimal technical and commercial pathways. Detailed PFS-level designs were developed for reclaim infrastructure, conveyors, screening and crushing systems, truck loadout facilities and associated civil works.

For the CHPP, we engineered modifications to the existing dump station to safely and efficiently accommodate dual-mode dumping operations, including swept path analysis, hopper widening and structural upgrades.

Fines circuit performance was addressed through targeted infrastructure design and procurement planning, incorporating spiral separators, flotation cells and belt filtration.

Semi-dynamic simulation modelling validated stockpile capacity, plant throughput and operational sequencing against the Life-of-Mine schedule. CAPEX and OPEX estimates were prepared to Class 4 standard, supported by RFP market pricing for major equipment.

The PFS provided Jellinbah Resources with a clear, investment-ready framework for underground integration, de-risking the expansion pathway.

Key outcomes included:

• A technically validated integration strategy between underground and open cut operations
• Optimised ROM handling and stockpile management strategies
• Enhanced CHPP flexibility to process higher fines content efficiently
• Improved operational resilience through dual-mode dumping capability
• Commercial clarity through robust Class 4 CAPEX and OPEX estimates
• Market-tested pricing to support informed decision-making

The study positioned the Lake Vermont Expansion to proceed with confidence, underpinned by disciplined engineering, practical constructability and aligned operational performance.