Lion One Metals Limited (ASX: LLO) is celebrating the pouring of the first gold at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.
Construction of the Tuvatu Mine has been completed ahead of schedule. Mill construction began in August 2022 and commissioning began in September 2023. The mill is expected to ramp up to 300 TPD by the end of October 2023, expanding further to 500 TPD in mid-2024. The first gold pour coincided with Fiji Day on October 10th, 2023.
A ceremonial first gold pour was conducted on site with over 900 members of local communities, businesses, employees, and government officials in attendance, including the Honourable Maciu Nalusima, Acting Minister for Mineral Resources for Fiji, who officiated the gold pour ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji.
The first gold pour at Tuvatu is a landmark event in the history of our company. We have successfully transitioned from explorer to producer and have delivered on our promise to build the South Pacific’s newest gold mine in the heart of Fiji,” Chairman and CEO, Walter Berukoff, said.
“Congratulations to the Lion One team for achieving this significant milestone. We thank our employees, contractors, local landowners and community members for their hard work and dedication.
“Completing construction ahead of schedule is a testament to the strength of their efforts and to the resilience of the Fijian spirit. We also thank our loyal shareholders for their continued support. This marks the beginning of our next phase of growth as we look forward to ramping up to commercial production at Tuvatu and to advancing our many other top-quality prospects throughout the Navilawa Caldera.”
Maciu Nalusima, Acting Minister for Mineral Resources for Fiji, told the first pour ceremony that the future looks good for Tuvatu and the best is yet to come.
