Westland Mineral Sands (WMS) is pleased to announce its continued growth with the progression of its resource consent application for the extraction of heavy mineral sands from privately owned farmland at Mananui, south of Hokitika.
This exciting new project will focus on the extraction of titanium (ilmenite), garnet, and gold, with minerals to be exported through the Port of Greymouth.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for WMS as we build on our past success and expand our operations along the West Coast. The Mananui project represents a significant milestone in our growth, and we are committed to applying environmentally responsible practices that have been honed through our successful pilot plant in Westport,” says WMS Managing Director Ray Mudgway.
Building on a solid foundation of success, WMS has actively engaged with iwi, residents, landowners, environmental groups, and local council leaders to develop sustainable practices that protect and enhance the local environment. This proactive collaboration ensures the long-term ecological health of the region, while fostering growth and innovation.
The proposed mining method, designed to extract heavy minerals from shoreline sands, is both efficient and environmentally responsible. The shallow mineral deposits will be extracted using surface mining techniques, with the sand being removed and transported to a nearby processing plant. Through gravity and water separation, minerals are extracted without the use of chemicals, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Soil layers will be carefully managed and restored to pasture, with enhancements to improve the environment further.
A floating dredge will excavate the sands from a mine pond that progressively moves through the site. The dredge will operate along a 70-meter-wide path, primarily in a north-south direction. After the ore is dredged, it will be screened to remove larger particles and then sent as a slurry to the processing plant. Tailings from the processing will be pumped back into the mined area, gradually refilled with processed sand, reshaped, and replaced to rehabilitate the land back to pasture, often with additional environmental enhancements.
Independent economic analysis by Sense Partners reveals that the Mananui project will generate $71 million in annual export revenue and contribute an impressive $37.9 million to the West Coast economy.
The mining and logistics operations are expected to create up to 70 well-paid jobs in engineering, geotechnical, and maintenance roles, in addition to opportunities for contractors and associated services.
“We are also investing in the upgrade of the Port of Greymouth, boosting our capacity to support the expanding mineral sands operation, improving cargo movement, and enhancing regional infrastructure. This investment ensures the region’s infrastructure is both resilient and sustainable, benefiting the local community and environment for years to come,” adds Mudgway.
WMS is dedicated to fostering positive, lasting relationships with the local community. Through collaboration, the company aims to preserve the unique ecology of the area, protect local biodiversity, and responsibly manage the land for future generations while driving economic growth and creating job opportunities.
“Transparency remains central to everything we do. As we continue to expand, we are committed to engaging with the community through a full public notification process in the coming months. Our goal is to ensure the Mananui project is not only environmentally responsible but also a catalyst for growth and prosperity in the local community,” says Mudgway.
