Focus Minerals Limited (ASX: FML) is resuming production with open pit mining and commissioning of the Three Mile Hill (TMH) processing facility now underway at the Coolgardie Gold Operation in Western Australia.
Focus is very pleased to announce the resumption of mining activities and the commissioning of the refurbished TMH Plant at the Coolgardie Gold Operation,” Executive Chairman, Wanghong Yang, said.
“This achievement has resulted from diligent planning and the good work of our team together with our contracting partners on the pathway to production.
“Special recognition must be given to the Macca Interquip team who have worked collaboratively with us and have successfully delivered an outstanding refurbished plant on schedule. Commissioning of the plant will now proceed toward full capacity in the following months.
“Mining commencement of the Greenfields Open Pit earlier this month is also a significant milestone achieved with our open pit mining contractor Ozland Mining Services. Working closely with Focus, Ozland has delivered a professional and rapid commencement to mining activities backed up by robust management systems and support.”
Under an EPC Contract, Maca Interquip (MIQ) has now achieved Practical Completion of the refurbishment works at TMH. All testing required by the contract has been carried out and passed to reach Practical Completion.
Commissioning of the facility by the Focus processing team is now underway in consultation with MIQ. Commissioning of the crushing circuit commenced early in July, with other circuits now ready to follow. The MIQ construction workforce has largely demobilised with only rectification of minor defects remaining.
Commissioning of TMH is expected to deliver designed production capacity of 1.2Mtpa within the next few months. First gold production is targeted during this quarter.
Mains power supply from the Western Power network has been re-established. Process water supply is guaranteed from an upgraded bore field. The TMH tailings storage facility is approved with initial storage capacity of 18 months.
The TMH Plant has been refurbished to a standard to comply with all statutory requirements and to deliver industry standard utilisation for the current life of mine.
Greenfields Open Pit Mining
A full tender process was conducted for the open pit works at the Coolgardie Gold Operation with Ozland Mining Services selected as open Pit Mining Contractor for a period of three years. Collaboration has delivered a close working relationship with Ozland, who will operate a mixed mining fleet incorporating Focus-owned dump trucks with their excavating and drilling equipment.
Mining commenced in the Greenfields open pit in July with waste stripping for a cut back of the North and South pit walls.
