Kingsgate Consolidated (ASX:KCN) has started mining operations in the A Pit West at the company’s Chatree Gold Mine.
Initial works are focusing on mining about 200,000 tonnes of broken waste rock and ore that remained when Chatree was closed at the end of 2016.
Kingsgate Consolidated says there are some 40,000 tonnes of ore that can be mined without blasting. As such, the first of 5 new Epiroc T45 drill rigs has arrived at Chatree, with the remaining rigs expected to arrive shortly.
Operator training for the drill rigs has initially commenced on a simulator and will be completed on the rigs themselves to ensure the drilling teams can hit the ground running and maintain continuity with the ongoing grade control drilling program.
Kingsgate Consolidated says the first shipment of explosives has now arrived in preparation for blasting, and works have also started on the first of a series of blast holes that will be ready to charge in November.
The company adds that it continues to work closely with its mining contractor LotusHall Mining, to ensure the right mix of mining equipment is available as the mining schedule ramps up in the coming months, with the first new Caterpillar 395 excavator and 5 new Caterpillar 777 dump trucks arriving in mid-November.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Kingsgate Consolidated
