WEST AFRICAN RESOURCES LIMITED
Gold mining company
All construction works complete - 10 weeks ahead of schedule and
17MW Power station complete and operational
Over 3 million hours worked LTI free
4,778 oz of gold poured during March
Process plant fully commissioned and operational
Open pit and underground mining tracking to schedule and budget
First underground ore mined
Execute the mining plan and maintain steady mill performance
Continue underground ore development and advancing decline
Commence gold sales
Sanbrado Gold Operation
During the quarter the Company achieved a number of significant milestones including completing commissioning of the Sanbrado processing plant, pouring first gold, mining first underground development ore and passing the 3 million hours worked mark LTI free. The site management team have done an exceptional job ramping up the operation while dealing with the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's operation. At the time of reporting the Company's mining activities and gold production remain unaffected. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection reported by any of the Company's employees or contractors operating at the Sanbrado Gold Operation ('Sanbrado') nor by residents of host communities located adjacent to the project area.
During the March quarter construction and commissioning activities were completed in all areas, 10 weeks ahead of the updated DFS schedule (ASX: 18/4/19) and 6 months ahead of the original schedule from the 2018 feasibility study (ASX: 22/6/18). The project was also delivered
By the end of March, the process plant mill throughput was meeting nameplate capacity and the 17MW power station was complete and operational. During the quarter, construction of the second stage of the tailing storage facility commenced. Drainage work also continued around the site with key diversions and sediment control structures excavated in preparation for the
The Company would like to thank WAF's Owners Team and key contractors and consultants; ECG,
Operations
Open-pit Mining
Open pit mining continued in M5 and M1 South areas during the quarter. Preparations are underway to open up the northern extension of M5. This area will provide the opportunity for more operational flexibility, including a lower strip ratio, free dig ore supply and better equipment utilisation. ROM stocks at quarter-end were approximately 313Kt grading 1.3 g/t Au, including low grade ore.
Underground Mining
Underground mining has also continued during the quarter. The first crosscut through mineralisation was completed in March on the 2120 Level (180mbsl) which defined both the hanging wall and footwall of the M1 South mineralised zone. Face and wall assays have been higher than estimated in the resource model, with higher grades associated with zones where visible gold was observed, these returned grades of +30g/t Au. Strike driving has commenced in the 2120 ODS, with abundant visible gold also present in the development faces (driving along strike).
During the quarter, grade control drilling commenced, covering off the first stoping panels to be mined of the M1 South underground reserve. Drilling has clearly defined hangingwall and footwall contact zones, which will enable more accurate stope definition. Results have reported within acceptable limits in comparison with the 2019 Mineral Resource Estimate.
Processing
The process plant has been operational since Sunday 8th March. The plant processed 200Kt of oxide open-pit material grading 1.3 g/t Au, during the month including periods of scheduled shutdown for maintenance. A total of 148.6 kg of gold (4778.7 troy ounces) was poured during the quarter. Information compiled for the metallurgical balance indicates a plant recovery of 92%. Following the end of the quarter the first ore from the M1 South underground was processed.
COVID-19 Response
During the quarter the Company has made comprehensive safety and logistical changes to maintain gold production in response to the developing COVID-19 global pandemic.
Health and Safety
At the time of reporting there have been no cases of COVID-19 infection reported by any of the Company's employees or contractors operating at Sanbrado nor by residents of host communities living adjacent to the project area. The Company has been adhering to guidelines set out by the
The Sanbrado site has self-quarantined with all mine staff and contractors now being housed on site. Movement of people in and out of site is strictly controlled and only permitted by the direct approval of the Mine Manager. Personnel considered high risk (ie with existing health conditions) have been identified and demobilised from site. All people entering and leaving site are subject to a health assessment, including a temperature check. Social distancing on site is being observed. Additional handwashing and hand sanitiser stations have been set-up around the site to improve hygiene.
WAF medical staff will implement an isolation policy and testing for anyone suspected of being COVID-19 positive. Site management have prepared an isolation block in camp for any suspected cases and we have qualified medical personnel and medical supplies on site to deal with any COVID-19 cases. Staff and contractors on site are also implementing additional health and safety protocols related to their work procedures to further reduce the risk. WAF's site management team includes key people that worked through the Ebola crisis in
Contact:
Tel: 08 9481 7344
Email: info@westafricanresources.com
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