Spotted Quoll Mine

Spotted Quoll is situated within the Yilgarn Craton, a geologically ancient and tectonically stable shield characterized by flat to gently undulating terrain at approximately 300–400 m ASL. The Wheatbelt's semi-arid, laterite-dominated surface presents significant challenges for bulk earthworks, including managing hardpan breakout, dust suppression across haul corridors, and drainage control during episodic rainfall events. Low topographic relief simplifies portal access logistics but demands rigorous subgrade preparation for heavy mobile equipment circulation.

As an operating underground asset under IGO Limited's Forrestania Operations, Spotted Quoll relies on a dual-contractor model: Barminco leads mechanized development and stope extraction, while Mako Mining supports small-scale production cycles. This structure creates acute demand for:

• Local mobile equipment maintenance workshops (LHDs, jumbos, trucks)
• Rapid-response hydraulic and electrical repair services
• Consumables supply chains (drill bits, ground support, explosives)
• Shaft and ventilation infrastructure servicing

Minimizing unplanned downtime in a single-entry underground environment is operationally critical.

Spotted Quoll targets high-grade nickel sulphide ore bodies via long-hole open stoping with paste fill. Extracted ore is processed at the Forrestania concentrator, which incorporates:

• Primary jaw crushing and SAG/ball mill grinding circuit
• Differential flotation cells for nickel-pentlandite recovery
• Thickening and filtration stages for concentrate dewatering
• Tailings management with paste backfill reintegration

The physico-chemical demands on reagent dosing, pH control, and grind size optimization require continuous metallurgical process engineering oversight.

IGO Limited has embedded ESG decarbonization targets across its Forrestania Operations, directly impacting Spotted Quoll's operational footprint. Key sustainability vectors include:

• Transition pathway toward battery-electric underground vehicles (BEVs) to reduce diesel particulate and ventilation load
• Renewable energy integration studies for site power (solar-diesel hybrid)
• Water recycling from process plant back to concentrator circuit
• Alignment with IGO's Scope 1 & 2 emissions reduction commitments under its Climate Change Policy

Nickel's role in EV battery supply chains positions Spotted Quoll within a critical minerals ESG narrative.