Ora Banda Mining Ltd transitions to producer as it recommissions Davyhurst

() (FRA:M6N) has become a gold producer after it successfully recommissioned the Davyhurst Gold Process Plant, together with its associated site infrastructure, with the first gold poured on Sunday, February 7, 2021.

Processing operations are currently stable and running at a throughput rate approaching 1.0 million tonnes per annum, with targeted grind size of P80-106µ being achieved. 

The company is well placed to progress process circuit optimisation and production ramp-up with in excess of 200,000 tonnes of run-of-mine (ROM) stocks available for processing. 

Forecast ore deliveries from the Riverina open pit mine and the Golden Eagle underground mine remain on schedule as outlined in the definitive feasibility study (DFS).

Ramp-up of activity

Ora Banda managing director David Quinlivan said: “Yesterday’s gold pour marks a significant milestone for Ora Banda – our transition from developer to producer.

“We are pleased to reach this important milestone and congratulate all who have been involved on the accomplishment.

“It has been an impressive team effort to deliver this project into production under the uniquely challenging circumstances of 2020 and 2021.

“Our focus now remains on the continued ramp-up of activity as we progress toward steady-state and the ultimate goal of delivering a long-life and sustainable gold operation.”

Ora Banda’s market cap now sits at approximately $252.7 million and shares today have been as much as 8.5% higher to 32.5 cents.

Supporting infrastructure

All supporting infrastructure required to sustain ongoing processing activities at the Davyhurst gold processing plant’s rated annual capacity of 1.2 million tonnes is now in place and has been commissioned.

This includes the new 8.25MW gas and diesel-fired power station, extensively upgraded and commissioned bore fields, supply, process plant chemical storage facilities, upgraded road infrastructure for ore supply routes and an upgraded 172 room camp at Davyhurst.

Practical completion for the remedial work program undertaken by GRES was achieved on January 24, 2021, following which a commissioning blend of low-grade oxide and transitional ore stock together with primary ore from Golden Eagle underground was introduced into the plant.

Strengthening of the long-term water supply infrastructure for dust suppression and ongoing road maintenance continues.

Golden Eagle Underground Mine

Dewatering of the Golden Eagle Underground mine is complete, with only minimal ground support rectification works required post dewatering and development has commenced on a number of levels.

Preparations for the commencement of stope production is in progress with the first stope production stope blast scheduled for mid-February.

Low-grade commissioning feed plus ROM ore from Riverina open pit and Golden Eagle underground stockpiled and available for processing at January 31, 2021, exceeds 200,000 tonnes.