Catalyst Metals has commenced in-mine exploration at the Plutonic underground gold mine located approximately 300km northeast of Meekatharra, Western Australia.
The gold company’s proximal drilling program is targeting new un-mined areas within the Plutonic mine’s existing developed footprint.
Catalyst’s initial review used historical drilling data to identify new zones. The review identified nine priority areas, all of which sit within the host of the Plutonic underground mineralisation.
To commence the exploration program, Catalyst has mobilised an additional diamond drill rig to Zone F, which represents an area of approximately 100m by 100m.
“Plutonic recently commissioned a third drill rig to commence exploration drilling underground at Plutonic,” Catalyst managing director and chief executive officer James Champion de Crespigny said.
“This drill rig will be used this calendar year to identify new sources of ore within the Plutonic underground mine.”
The drill program is targeting infill drilling at Zone F at a 15m spacing. Catalyst also believes there is potential along strike to the northwest and down dip.
If exploration at Zone F is successful, potential ore could be mined at a quicker pace and at a low capital intensity as Catalyst can leverage existing ventilation infrastructure.
Because Zone F is separate to existing work areas, the zone could also reduce congestion in other areas of the Plutonic mine, potentially improving operational efficiency, de-risking mining schedules and reducing mining costs.
“Production has stabilised at Plutonic but remains focused in remnant areas,” Champion de Crespigny said. “Despite being reasonably successful to date in remnant mining, Catalyst recognises that new, virgin ore sources could further de-risk future operations at Plutonic.
“Catalyst has been able to identify a number of potential areas to target which if successful, should represent a low-cost, near-term source of ore.”
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