Haranga Resources (ASX:HAR) is nearing completion of underground dewatering at its Lincoln Gold Project in California, US, clearing the way for a 1,600m phase two drilling program planned to begin in late August.
Pumping at the 900m-long Stringbean Alley Decline has progressed below Cross Cut 11, the final crosscut, with steady-state maintenance dewatering expected to begin next week.
The company notes a replacement underground Mine Power Centre is undergoing final construction and commissioning ahead of installation at Cross Cut 7 in mid-August. Haranga expects underground power, ventilation, communications, and other services to be fully restored by mid-August.
The planned 16-hole diamond drilling program will start at Cross Cut 11 before retreating through the decline. Contractor Swick Mining Services has confirmed drill availability following the restoration of services.
The first five holes, reaching up to 275m, are designed to intersect multiple lodes and test the orientation of mineralisation towards the historical Old Lincoln workings, which produced around 100,000 ounces of gold. Shorter holes from Cross Cuts 9 and 10 will test an under-drilled area between the Lincoln and Comet zones.
Lincoln hosts a mineral resource of 2.46 million tonnes at 5.1g/t Au for 402,000 ounces.
Chairman Michael Davy says the company is preparing for an intensive period of activity following technical and planning work completed since the maiden resource was reported.
“We are now preparing for the next intensive phase of activity, while continuing to pursue the dual-track strategy of resource growth and rapid restart outlined in our corporate presentation,” Davy says.
Haranga says it is also assessing whether historical drilling could support the conversion of most of the South Spring Hill exploration target into an inferred resource during the September quarter. The target comprises 1.2–1.6 million tonnes at 5.4–5.8 grams per tonne gold (Au) for 202,000–308,000 ounces, although its quantity and grade remain conceptual.
An updated mineral resource estimate is planned for the December quarter.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: Haranga Resources
