Three Springs Mine

The Three Springs talc deposit is situated in the Mid-West region of Western Australia, approximately 350 km north of Perth within the Northampton Block — a Proterozoic metamorphic terrane. The terrain is characterised by low-relief, semi-arid plains with shallow weathering profiles, which simplifies bulk earthmoving and reduces pre-strip ratios. However, the flat topography limits natural drainage, requiring engineered water management systems to control seasonal runoff across the open-cut footprint.

Three Springs operates as a continuous open-cut extraction facility under Imerys Talc Australia, supplying high-purity talc to global industrial and pharmaceutical markets. Site operations depend on uninterrupted diesel-powered heavy fleet — including excavators, haul trucks, and front-end loaders — consuming significant fuel volumes per shift cycle. Power supply to processing infrastructure relies on grid connection supplemented by diesel generation, creating a dual-dependency energy model critical for 24/7 throughput continuity.

Run-of-mine talc ore undergoes a staged comminution circuit comprising:

• Primary jaw crushing to reduce ROM feed to processable fraction
• Secondary and tertiary milling stages targeting specific surface area and brightness specifications
• Dry and/or wet flotation beneficiation to separate talc from carbonate and silicate gangue
• Air classification and micronisation for product grade differentiation
• Strict physicochemical QC: whiteness index, particle size distribution (d50/d97), and heavy metal compliance

Imerys Group has committed to net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, with interim 2030 reduction targets aligned to SBTi. At Three Springs, ESG levers under evaluation or deployment include:

• On-site solar PV integration to offset diesel generation load
• Fleet electrification roadmap for light vehicles and auxiliary equipment
• Rehabilitation bonding and progressive land restoration per DMIRS requirements
• Water recycling within the processing circuit to minimise freshwater draw in an arid-zone context