Classic Minerals has finished mining the bulk sample at its Kat Gap gold project in WA – the first step towards the start of mining operations at the project.

The gold rich ore zone which came within 6m of the surface was extracted with minimal dilution and placed on a stockpile separate from the waste.

The company says the ore was also moderately thicker on the pit floor than predicted by the resource model – a positive for future mining operations.

The final production figures are being compiled and are expected to be released to the market in the coming week.

Ore extraction bodes well for future mining

The bulk sampling program represents a key step towards the start of mining operations at Kat Gap, which has a current resource of 93,000oz of gold.

“The mining of the bulk sample has enabled the Kat Gap Gold Ore to see the light of day for the very first time,” Classic Minerals (ASX:CLZ) CEO Dean Goodwin said.

“I’ve also been pleasantly surprised at the clean lines separating the ore from waste on the footwall and hanging wall contacts and can say with confidence that the extracted ore has been taken out with minimal dilution.

“This all bodes well for our future mining operations as the ore is very visible and easy to extract.”

Gekko plant ready to shift into high gear 

Classic has already received the Western Australian Government’s approval of its Mining Proposal and with the modular 30 tonne per hour Gekko plant already on site, can quickly shift into high gear.

Plus, the plant can be scaled to a processing capacity of 250tph, which gives the company the option to ramp up its operations if needed.

“Now that the bulk sample is complete, we can get cracking on final metallurgical test-work for the Gekko plant and get our final pit design work completed ahead of the operational phase for the Kat Gap gold project,” Goodwin said.

 

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Classic Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.