Pure Gold pours first gold in Red Lake, Ontario

Pure Gold Mining says it has poured first gold at its PureGold Mine, in Red Lake, Ontario.

The first pour occurred on December 29, following the introduction of ore to the mill on December 15, 2020.

Darin Labrenz, President and CEO of PureGold, said: “Today, the PureGold Mine has come to life. With our first gold pour, we have transitioned to producer, and delivered on our promise to build Canada’s newest gold mine in the heart of Red Lake, Ontario, on budget and on schedule.

“To build a mine at any time requires a complete team effort comprised of dedicated, driven, and focused individuals. To do so under the unique challenges of 2020 speaks to the quality and dedication of the entire team. With this first gold bar, we are now focused on ramping up the operation to steady-state production as we continue to build a long-life growth company in Red Lake.”

With the commencement of production at the PureGold Mine, activities at site are now concentrated on optimising the operation, with commercial production anticipated by the end of the March quarter, at which time the company will be providing guidance.

A February 2019 feasibility study on the PureGold Mine outlined a probable mineral reserve of 3.5 Mt at 9 g/t, containing 1 Moz of gold. This saw the company project a 12-year operation, producing an average of 80,000 oz/y at an all-in sustaining cost of $787/oz.

PureGold will also continue to pursue its aggressive growth strategy in 2021, it said, with ongoing exploration drilling from both surface and underground, an update of mineral resources to include drilling completed over the last two years, and incorporation of significant improvements in mine design and mine plan.