Commences Stage 2 Feasibility Study Tests
Wiluna Mining Corporation Limited (ASX:WMX) reports that its Stage 1 Wiluna Gold Mine development in Western Australia remains on targets as it commences a Stage 2 Feasibility Study into further mine development opportunities.
Stage 1 of the Development Plan, targeting an increase in gold production to 120kozpa, is currently progressing, with construction commencing on a new flotation circuit to produce gold in concentrate in addition to gold doré.
Contractors GR Engineering Services hss mobilised to site, pad preparation is completed and pouring of the concrete foundations are underway. Long lead time equipment orders have been placed, and early works contracts awarded.
Meanwhile, another contractor, Byrnecut Australia – which mobilised in mid- November 2020 – has already completed in excess of 2km of decline and level development rehabilitation for access to initial stoping blocks. Repairs and upgrades of primary ventilation and dewatering networks are progressing to plan ahead of ore production which will commence in Q3 2021.
Open pit mining has been completed at Williamson Open Pit and MACA contracting staff and equipment have been demobilised. Over 600kt of stockpiled Williamson ore will continue to provide the majority of ore feed to the CIL plant until the new flotation circuit has been commissioned.
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. Wiluna will continue to drill out this extension with the intention to bring it into production in the next quarter.
In the meantime, a Stage 2 Feasibility Study Metallurgical testwork programme is underway for additional design data and variability testing.
“Outstanding progress has been made by our Projects and Operations teams and key contractors as we prepare to ramp up underground operations to supply sulphide ore feed to the new flotation concentrator currently under construction at Wiluna,” Executive Chair, Milan Jerkovic, said.
“Ensuring the success of these two activities through 2021 is the primary focus of our business as our people work to deliver upon our promise to transform the Wiluna Mining Centre into a significant producer of gold doré and gold in concentrate.
“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 GR Engineering Services for process engineering, plant design and construction and Byrnecut Australia to construct and operate the mine as well as our offtake partners Polymetal and Trafigura.
“I look forward to keeping you briefed on our progress through this year.”
