Venture Minerals (ASX: VMS)

THE CONFERENCE CALLER: Wally Graham caught up with Venture Minerals Managing director Andrew Radonjic at the recent RIU Resources Investor Roadshow in Melbourne.

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Venture Minerals (ASX: VMS) recently committed to the recommencement of mining activities at the company’s Riley iron ore mine in Tasmania.

Venture Minerals made the announcement following completion of an updated Riley Iron Ore Mining Study with the associated Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) delivering strong returns from a low capex two-year project, that the company believes to be well positioned to capture the current higher iron ore price environment.

In addition to completing the study the company, having previously signed a Binding Terms Sheet for the Riley Iron Ore Mine off-take with Prosperity Steel, has now signed a full off-take agreement for the Riley product for 100 per cent of the first two years of iron ore production.

First shipment of ore from the Riley Mine is currently planned for the fourth quarter of 2019, however the company indicated it was continuing to work on additional strategies to further reduce operating costs on the project before the first ore shipment.

These cost optimisation programs will focus on enhancing ore transport solutions.

“This is an exciting phase for the company as it moves from explorer to producer,” Venture Minerals managing director Andrew Radonjic said in the company’s announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange.

“The Riley Iron Ore Mining Study demonstrates the delivery of an exceptional Internal Rate of Return in excess of 300 per cent is possible by leveraging the relatively small capex required to commence production.

“Venture has brought together an experienced team with a blend of local knowledge that has built, managed and operated iron ore and other similar sized projects, thereby de-risking the execution phase of the Riley project.

“The Riley Iron Ore Mine will create 80 to 100 jobs and will be a boost for the economy of the West Coast of Tasmania.

“We look forward to commencing production shortly.”