The next five years will average around 16,000-17,000tpa, rising to an average slightly above 20,000tpa from fiscal year 2027-2031.
Guidance for this year is 16,000-17,000t at cash costs of A$4.25-4.65/lb.
Western Areas is spending $150-170 million on the key Odysseus development this year (and $55 million the following year), with first production from this asset due late next calendar year.
Last quarter the debt-free nickel miner generated $23 million in operating cashflow from its Forrestania operations.
As at June 30, cash at bank was $151 million.
Shares in Western Areas were up 2.5% to $2.58, capitalising it at $830 million.
