The East Kimberley is entering its busiest period of mine development since Argyle. Three projects are worth watching.
Sorby Hills (Boab Metals)
Boab Metals now owns 100% of the Sorby Hills silver, lead and zinc project near Kununurra, after buying out its partner in January 2026. The project is fully funded and under construction. It has sealed road access to Wyndham Port, and first production is targeted for the second half of 2027. In September, Boab lifted the resource by 7% to 50.6 million tonnes.
Speewah (Tivan)
Tivan's Speewah fluorite project sits about 100 km south of Wyndham. It's a joint venture with Japan's Sumitomo Corporation and the government agency JOGMEC, which together hold a 15% stake. On 3 November, Tivan upgraded the fluorite resource to 45 million tonnes, with most of it now in the Indicated category. Pilot testing has produced acid-grade fluorspar above the market benchmark. The company has held community forums in Wyndham and Kununurra and is working towards an investment decision. Traditional Owner agreements and environmental approvals are still to come.
Ridges
The Ridges iron ore mine is operating again under Kimberley Metals Group, with product trucked to port along the Great Northern Highway.
What this means for the region
Each of these projects will need sound agreements with Traditional Owners, clear benefit structures and real local employment and supply chain commitments. The companies that get this right early build projects that last. RPM has managed agreement implementation in the East Kimberley since the Argyle Participation Agreement and works with resource sector companies from early engagement through to implementation. Read more about our resource sector work