Foundry minerals developer Oregon Resources Corp. (ORC) is on track to begin production this year from its heavy mineral sands project in Oregon, USA, after receiving approval for several mining and infrastructure permits at its Coos Bay operation.
ORC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian company Industrial Minerals Corp. Ltd, recommenced development at Coos Bay in 2004 after first obtaining the project in 1989.
The site comprises an extensive heavy mineral sands resource Ð located in ancient, uplifted beach terraces Ð including foundry grades of chromite, ilmenite and zircon. Additionally, the site’s garnet resource has suitable specifications for the water jet cutting industry.
Approved permits
Tests conducted on the heavy sands by process solutions provider Outotec Oyj indicate that the Coos Bay chromite, garnet, ilmenite, and zircon all meet industry specifications.
The project has also seen industry support as several Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements have been signed...