MZI Resources Ltd.: Business Update - February 2017

Perth - MZI Resources Ltd. (ASX:MZI) is pleased to provide the latest Company's Business Update - February 2017.

2016: a year of achievements and challenges

Achievements

- Keysbrook Project substantially at design production rates after 12 months operation

- First sales of commercial quantities achieved for all products - L70, L88 and Zircon concentrate

- Keysbrook Ore Reserves trebled1

- RMB senior debt facility restructured on favourable terms.

- Positive operational cash flow achieved in September Quarter and for second half CY2016.

- WCP Optimisation Program completed late November

Challenges

- Market conditions hit bottom in Q1 2016

- Recurring reliability and operating problems at the MFU

- Mining costs temporarily impacted by atypical long haul distances and noise management requirements

- Flowsheet bottlenecks slowed WCP ramp-up to design

- Achievement of design production at Picton MSP delayed by inconsistent HMC grade and quality

- Project revenues and cash flow tight during ramp up period

2017 - MZI is positioned for success

MZI's ongoing program to pursue continuous improvement has positioned it to do well in 2017:

The pathway to success:

- Consolidate first year achievements at Keysbrook

- Optimise mining and processing performance to achieve and exceed design parameters

- Deliver sustainable, consistent and reliable results

- Establish 'Brand' and demonstrate producer 'bona fides'

- Build cash flow and improve financial performance

- Aggressively pursue Continuous Improvement

The Continuous Improvement Program is working

- WCP Optimisation Project Completed and Commissioned November 2016

- Design Performance achieved for Heavy Mineral Concentrate (HMC) recovery and grade at design throughput December 2016

- Record HMC Production in December quarter

- Solution for MFU issues identified

- Significant mine improvement expected with shift to new mining area in February 2017

- Adaptive noise management program and further noise abatement measures to improve noise footprint

- Operation cash flow positive for the December half year (+$3.4m) and December month cash flow positive.

Strong market outlook adds lustre

Titanium Dioxide

- Outlook for high Ti02 feedstock demand (i.e. rutile & leucoxene) very positive due to potential supply shortages.

- Several price increases announced by Western & Chinese pigment producers in 2016.

- Pigment consumption is strongly correlated to GDP growth, which is now looking positive for 2017.

- Excess chloride pigment inventory has been largely depleted.

- Another strong northern hemispherical painting season would further tighten the market.

- Upward price momentum for high Ti02 feedstocks has begun

Zircon

- Supply - demand is moving into balance with producers continuing to manage supply.

- Level of customer enquiry is increasing as demand improves in non ceramic applications (e.g. precision casting).

- Moderately positive outlook for housing and construction in China.

- Modest price increase during December quarter which reversed previous falling trend.

- Positive industry sentiment indicates potential for further price increases in 2017.

- Upward price momentum in Q1 2017

Summary

- Positive market outlook for mineral sands products, including Keysbrook leucoxene, means Keysbrook is 'hitting its straps' at the perfect time

- Good progress has been made with resolution of start-up challenges encountered in 2016

- Ramp-up to design performance and Continuous Improvement program on track with schedule.

o Record operational performance achieved in December Quarter

o WCP operating at design, and further gains targeted

o Design performance targeted at Picton MSP in current quarter

- Significant improvement in mining/MFU performance (costs and reliability) anticipated from shift to new mining area and use of alternative more efficient MFU

- MZI on a clear path to success through focus on continuous improvement and optimisation

To view the presentation, please visit:
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About MZI Resources Ltd:

MZI Resources Ltd. (ASX:MZI) is a mineral sands producer focused on the high value minerals of zircon and leucoxene, and owns the newly commissioned Keysbrook Mineral Sands Mine, 70 km south of Perth in Western Australia.

Development of Keysbrook was completed ahead of schedule and within budget in October 2015, and completed its first shipment of zircon concentrate in December 2015. Keysbrook is designed to produce approximately 96,000 tonnes of zircon concentrate and leucoxene annually, with over 85% of all planned production committed under offtake contracts with blue chip international customers.



Contact:

MZI Resources Ltd.
Steve Ward Managing Director
T: +61-8-9328-9800
E: admin@mzi.com.au
www.mzi.com.au