Collis Thorp, now Image Resources’ chief development officer, and Patrick Mutz (on the right) is now managing director.
Camera IconCollis Thorp, now Image Resources’ chief development officer, and Patrick Mutz (on the right) is now managing director. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Gingin mineral sands mine step closer with management restructure

Staff writerThe Advocate

A MINERAL sands mine 20km north of Gingin is a step closer with the amalgamation of exploration company Image Resources and Murray Zircon.

In the move, Patrick Mutz becomes Image Resources’ managing director and the company’s outgoing chief executive Collis Thorp becomes chief development officer.

Mr Mutz described the amalgamation as a “pivotal step” as the company moved toward possibly starting mining for zircon in 18 months at its Boonanarring site off the Brand Highway.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“This transaction is a pivotal step for Image Resources as it transitions from advanced exploration to production through the development of its high grade, high value Boonanarring mineral sands project in the heart of WA’s proven mineral sands district,” he said.

“Combining the available processing equipment, personnel and operational expertise from Murray Zircon with the ready-for-development, high-quality mineral resources and reserves at Boonanarring creates a synergy that bodes well for unlocking shareholder value.”

Image Resources has a community liaison office in Gingin.

It is still in the exploration stage and not hiring mining staff yet.

Zircon is used for biological and electronic ceramics, optical communication devices and other new materials.