Ora Banda Mining Ltd is pleased to advise that the Davyhurst Gold Process Plant, in Western Australia, has been successfully recommissioned, with the first gold poured on February 7.

All supporting infrastructure required to sustain ongoing processing activities at the processing plant’s rated capacity of 1.2 Mt/y is now in place and has been commissioned, the company said.

This includes the new 8.25 MW gas and diesel fired power station, extensively upgraded and commissioned bore fields (for both potable and process water 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 GR Engineering Services was achieved on January 24, 2021, following which a commissioning blend of low-grade oxide and transitional ore stock together with primary ore from the Golden Eagle underground deposit was introduced into the plant.

Processing operations are currently stable and running at a throughput rate approaching 1 Mt/y with targeted grind size of P80 – 106 µ being achieved. Throughput will continue to ramp in line with the definitive feasibility study (DFS) schedule. This DFS outlined a production target of 418,000 oz of gold over an initial five-year mine life based on an ore reserve of 460,000 oz (6.1 Mt at 2.4 g/t Au) from six deposits within 50 km of the existing 1.2 Mt/y plant.

The company says it is well placed to progress process circuit optimisation and production ramp up with in excess of 200,000 t of run of mine stocks currently available for processing.

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.”