This tungsten explorer is going electric in France

Apollo Minerals is going electric to reduce energy consumption at its Couflens tungsten mine in France.

The junior explorer (ASX:AON) has bought a battery storage inverter and an electric vehicle for mine access.

Apollo is refurbishing the historic Salau tungsten mine – one of the world’s highest-grade tungsten mines before it closed in 1986, the company told investors this morning.

The work program includes the installation of modern ventilation systems, power and cabling in the proposed working levels of the mine for the exploration phase.

Apollo will also widen the current mine portal to allow truck access.

Once the work is completed Apollo will begin exploration.

Apollo Minerals (ASX:AON) shares over the past 12 months.

The company is currently reviewing final bids from a shortlist of contractors for an initial drilling campaign to test numerous high-grade tungsten and gold targets.

Earlier this year Apollo spun out its Fraser Range nickel, copper and gold projects in Western Australia into Constellation Resources (ASX:CR1) – which made its ASX debut at the end of July.

Apollo wanted to maximise the potential of its non-European assets given its strong focus on the Couflens tungsten project in France and the Aurenere tungsten and gold project in Spain.