How Sheffield Resources Achieved Record Production at Thunderbird Mine
Sheffield Resources has reported a record quarter at its Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine, with significant increases in ore mined and concentrate production, signaling a strong operational turnaround.
- 6% increase in ore mined to 3 million tonnes in September quarter
- Record ilmenite production of 203,000 tonnes
- Record zircon concentrate production of 46,000 tonnes
- 217,000 tonnes of concentrate shipped during the quarter
- Business improvement plan credited for performance gains
Record Quarterly Performance at Thunderbird
Sheffield Resources Limited has announced a milestone quarter for its flagship Thunderbird Mineral Sands Mine in Western Australia, achieving record mining and production volumes in the September 2025 quarter. Total ore mined rose by 6% compared to the previous quarter, reaching approximately 3 million tonnes. This uptick in mining activity translated into record outputs of key mineral sands products, with ilmenite concentrate production hitting 203,000 tonnes and zircon concentrate reaching 46,000 tonnes.
The company also reported total concentrate shipments of around 217,000 tonnes, comprising 178,000 tonnes of ilmenite and 39,000 tonnes of zircon. These figures underscore a significant operational improvement and enhanced market delivery capability.
Strategic Drivers Behind the Growth
Executive Chair Bruce Griffin attributed the strong quarterly results to the successful implementation of a business improvement plan developed earlier in the year by Kimberley Mineral Sands (KMS), the joint venture entity that owns Thunderbird. This plan appears to have reversed previous operational challenges, setting a foundation for sustained growth and profitability.
Thunderbird, one of the largest mineral sands discoveries in recent decades, produces high-quality ilmenite suitable for titanium dioxide pigment manufacturing and smelting into chloride slag, alongside zircon concentrates. The mine’s location in a stable and mining-friendly jurisdiction further supports its long-term potential.
Broader Portfolio and Joint Venture Context
Sheffield holds a 50% stake in KMS, partnered with Yansteel, a major Chinese steel producer with integrated titanium dioxide processing facilities. Yansteel’s commitment to consume Thunderbird’s magnetic concentrate under a take-or-pay agreement provides a secure offtake foundation.
Beyond Thunderbird, Sheffield is advancing its interests in other mineral sands projects, including an option to acquire up to 20% of the South Atlantic Mineral Sands Project in Brazil and a 10% stake in Capital Metals Plc, which owns the Taprobane project in Sri Lanka. These assets diversify Sheffield’s portfolio and position it for future growth in global mineral sands markets.
Looking Ahead
While the September quarter results are preliminary and subject to final verification, they mark a clear positive trajectory for Sheffield Resources. The company’s ability to sustain and build on this momentum will be critical as it navigates market conditions and executes its broader strategic ambitions.
Bottom Line?
Sheffield’s record quarter sets a promising stage, but sustaining growth will test operational resilience and market dynamics.
Questions in the middle?
- Can Sheffield maintain or improve production levels in coming quarters?
- What impact will increased production have on the company’s financial performance?
- How will Sheffield’s other projects contribute to growth beyond Thunderbird?
