Black Cat Syndicate (SASX: BC8) is making significant strides in the refurbishment and commissioning of the processing facility at its 100% owned Paulsens Gold Operation in Western Australia. The company is on track with its refurbishment activities, which have progressed safely, efficiently, and according to plan. With refurbishment nearing completion, the focus has now shifted to the dry and wet commissioning of various operational circuits.
The dry commissioning of the crushing circuit has been completed, and wet commissioning has begun, with the aim of building a low-grade crushed stockpile for use during commissioning. New Knelson gravity concentrators have been successfully installed and set up.
Additionally, the 415-volt switchboard for power station #1’s motor control centre has been delivered and installed. Repairs to fuel tanks and pipelines have been completed, and fuel systems have been installed in power station #1’s fuel farm. The installation and testing of five 880 KVA generators at power station #1 have been completed, ensuring a reliable power supply for the operation.
The ball mill liner installation has been completed, and the seasonal charge of grinding media is underway. An oxygen storage tank has been delivered and installed as part of the facility’s upgrades, and the connection of pipework for the Carbon in Pulp (CIP) circuit has commenced. The tailings storage facility lift has been completed, and installation of the tailings pipework is in progress. The laboratory for processing underground samples has also been commissioned, ensuring efficient analysis during the commissioning phase.
Managing Director Gareth Solly commented, "On time and within budget, the refurbishment activities at Paulsens are almost complete. Our focus is now switching to dry and wet commissioning in the lead up to first gold later this month. Ongoing selective mining and preparations for the full mechanised fleet remain on track, and planning for accelerated exploration in 2025 is well underway."
Looking ahead, major work planned for December 2024 includes continued dry commissioning and operation of the crushing circuit to build crushed stocks, the connection of power station #1 motor control centre to the process plant circuits, and the preparation for and commencement of dry and wet commissioning of the grinding, gravity, CIP, and recovery circuits. The company will also continue the mobilisation of internal process and maintenance teams in preparation for the pouring of the first gold.
With these advancements, Black Cat Syndicate is poised for a major milestone with the anticipated first gold pour later this month, marking a key step toward the full ramp-up of the Paulsens Gold Operation.
