Ballarat Gold Project Update Commissioning Commences
Castlemaine Goldfields Limited (ASX:CGT) is currently re-developing the Ballarat Gold Mine, with activities focused on underground mine development and gold processing plant re-commissioning such that first gold bullion production can be delivered on schedule in September this year.
Approximately 3,500 tonnes of low grade gold ore has been mined to date and bought to surface to provide material for the processing plant re-start.
The gold processing plant, kept idle and on care and maintenance since early last year, underwent a minor refurbishment over the past two months. Commissioning successfully commenced last week, ahead of schedule.
It is now planned to run the plant on dayshift only throughout August to bed the process in and afford the newly recruited plant operators time to learn the circuit, under the guidance of more experienced employees.
As the underground mine ore production ramps up, the processing plant will then revert to a 24 hour operation, 3 to 4 days a week, in September.
First gold bullion production will occur later that month.
Managing Director Mr. Matthew Gill commented “This is a very exciting time as we commence crushing the gold bearing quartz material mined from underground. We purchased the Ballarat Gold Project on care and maintenance last year and to now see the front end of the plant running is a great credit to that care and maintenance team and the current group of employees that have worked on, and are now operating, this plant.
It is anticipated that first gold bullion production will occur in September. This is great timing given the current high gold prices and sentiment for this precious metal.”
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