Australian Potash Limited Updates Flow Model Increases SOP Production Potential
in-situ Measured Resource). An additional 50,000tpa was forecast in that DFS to be produced through the addition and conversion of Muriate of Potash (MOP) to SOP. The brine abstraction rate was optimised through the FEED study, leading to optimised SOP output of 120,000tpa. Through the DFS, external consultants AQ2 prepared a hydrogeological model for the proposed development of the LSOP. This model has been updated regularly with actual data generated in the field. Short term pump testing allows the reconciliation of the modelled early-time flow rate at each bore to the actual early-time flow rate likely to be recorded in operations. The inclusion of the data from the test pumping of the bores completed to date2 in the hydrogeological model, reconciles positively and indicates the potential to increase the annual SOP production from brine abstraction to 135,000tpa (+15,000tpa/12.5%). A further improvement derived from the updated flow model is seen in the reduction in the number of bores required to produce the necessary brine flow. Where the FEED model indicated a required 79 bores at startup, expanding to 172 bores over the life of the LSOP, the current model revises the required bores down to only 89 bores over the life of mine. The potential cost savings over the life of the mine from the reduction in bores required may be substantial. Along with the reduction in bore number, the updated flow model predicts higher grade and a longer production profile. The implications to the pond network, harvest ponds, and processing plant are being thoroughly considered in light of the improved flow model.