ASX-listed Image Resources has unveiled plans to expand its project development pipeline beyond the recently commissioned Atlas mineral sands project in Western Australia, as part of a strategy to mitigate timing and regulatory risks and maintain operational momentum.

The company said on Friday that it was assessing multiple mine development options, including extending the life of Atlas by incorporating nearby deposits such as Atlas North, Hyperion, and Helene, as well as developing new projects within its Eneabba tenement package, including Durack, Drummond Crossing, Ellengail, West Mine North and Thomson.

“With mining and revenue generation now under way at Atlas, our focus is shifting to preparing the next phase of development and growth,” said Image Resources MD and CEO Patrick Mutz. “Expanding our development strategy to include multiple project options is a prudent step to manage risk and ensure we are well-positioned to advance our next mining project on a timely basis.”

While Atlas North and Hyperion require mining approvals, baseline environmental and heritage surveys have already been completed at Atlas North. If approved, Image said these satellite deposits could be processed through Atlas’s existing wet concentration plant – extending the operation’s life with minimal capital investment.

The Durack project, located on private farmland, is expected to move through permitting faster than projects like Bidaminna and McCalls owing to fewer environmental and heritage sensitivities. However, the project still requires land access agreements and a mining lease.

“This strategic expansion of development options is directed at mitigating potential timing risks associated with obtaining regulatory approvals for mining and land access agreements for a single project,” the company stated. “Expanding development options minimises the dependence on any individual project.”

The company also acknowledged limited progress at its Yandanooka project owing to delays in securing land access agreements, underlining the need to diversify its pipeline.

“A full review of our potential development options, strategy, and associated budgets is under way, and the board remains fully engaged and supportive of this initiative,” said Mutz.

Image, which previously developed and operated the Boonanarring mineral sands project, has transitioned to production at Atlas, located 170 km north of Perth in the Dandaragan shire. The company produces zircon, titanium dioxide, and rare earth element-bearing monazite for global markets.