Xstrata Zinc has conducted studies into the third phase of development at MRM. This involves a proposal to increase mine production to approximately 5.5 million tonnes per year resulting in an increase in bulk zinc/lead concentrate volume to 800,000 tonnes per annum. Concentrate would continue to be trucked to the Bing Bong loading facility, with product loaded via the existing offshore barge facility.

The indicative cost of the project is $270 million. Subject to the completion of studies and internal Xstrata and government approval, works on the project would commence in 2012.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was lodged with the Northern Territory Government on 31 January 2012