The KY1 perlite reserve was identified during geological exploration conducted in 2009 near IPM's existing TU1 operation. Following the completion of the required permitting processes in 2015, site preparation and overburden removal began in January 2016.
The earthworks programme continued for approximately six months and was completed in July 2016. Around 165,000 cubic metres of overburden were removed, making approximately 750,000 metric tonnes of visible perlite reserves accessible for production.
The characteristics of the KY1 deposit made it particularly suitable for perlite grades serving construction applications, strengthening the diversity and long-term security of IPM's raw-material base.