Stage 1 of the Development Plan, targeting an increase in gold production to 120kozpa, is currently progressing. Construction of the new flotation circuit to produce gold in concentrate in addition to gold dore has commenced with
Open pit mining has been completed at
Golden Age continues to provide valuable high-grade ore for the free milling circuit. Recent resource development drill testing of the newly discovered eastern extension returned excellent intersections. We will continue to drill out this extension with the intention to bring it into production in the next quarter.
At the same time, we are drilling to expand our resources and reserves for inclusion in the Stage 2 Feasibility Study due to be completed by the end of this year. We continue to explore ways to mine and process more efficiently, sustainably and profitably for the benefit of our shareholders and stakeholders.
Of course, to realise the vision we have for Wiluna requires partnerships with leading industry players and we are particularly proud to have attracted support from
About
BACKGROUND
Since gold was first discovered at Wiluna in 1896 a rich and diverse history has evolved with the initial surface workings moving underground and expanding over time to include over 100km of underground development over 3.5km in strike length on three main parallel structures and extending to 1km in depth. Over the years gold production has cycled between oxide and sulphide ore, from open pit and underground mining, with each change benefitting from improvements in technology and equipment available at the time.
Key to extracting the value embedded deep in the Wiluna operation is the transition to underground mining and processing of sulphide ore. We will introduce this approach by producing a concentrate to be sold to Trafigura and Polymetal with the Polymetal concentrate to be eventually processed at their POX (Pressure Oxidation) facility in
STAGED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The redevelopment of Wiluna will be conducted in stages as resources and reserves grow and underground mine production is ramped up. The first stage has commenced with the construction of the flotation plant and rehabilitation of underground declines to sulphide production areas.
Core Infrastructure to Expand Production
Key to maximising the value from Wiluna's expansive underground resources is the transition to producing both gold in dore and gold in concentrate. The 750ktpa flotation plant, which is expected to be completed and commissioned in
A More Sustainable Operation
A key business imperative of Wiluna's plan going forward is to minimise our environmental footprint and create a more sustainable future operation. To this end, we are pursuing more environmentally friendly processing routes undertaking process and mining efficiency studies, investigating the use of renewable energy solutions to meet our increasing energy demands and initiatives to clean up and rehabilitate any historic legacy issues. The Company will shortly install equipment to acquire wind data for a renewable energy power generation study, to commence in 2022.
Contact:
Tel: +61 8 9322 6418
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