The mineral resource estimate (MRE) for Westgold Resources’ Bluebird – South Junction project has increased by 134 per cent, or 474,000 ounces (oz).
The Bluebird underground gold mine is located 15km south-west of Meekatharra, Western Australia. It is part of Westgold’s Meekatharra operations.
In late 2019, Westgold commenced underground operations at Bluebird, leading to over 137,000oz of gold being produced. This brought the total recorded gold production at Bluebird to 784,000oz, and the combined Bluebird – South Junction production to 1.18Moz.
The Bluebird – South Junction project now boasts a mineral resource of 6.4 million tonnes at 3.1 grams per tonne (g/t) for 827,000oz.
“Making our biggest mines bigger, more productive and more profitable is Westgold’s key objective and our investment in drilling continues to build scale and value for our shareholders,” Westgold managing director and chief executive officer Wayne Bramwell said.
“A half a million-ounce increase in the mineral resource at Bluebird – South Junction, post nine months of mining depletion is a solid return on investment and is a testament to the quality of this orebody.”
Bramwell said mine expansion opportunities across Bluebird – South Junction remain at depth, along-strike in either direction in the zone between current drilling activity and the base of the South Junction open pit.
A drilling program at Bluebird – South Junction was initiated in January and remains ongoing, with three rigs active on surface and two rigs in the underground environment.
Recent intercepts gathered from Bluebird – South Junction include:
- 20.40m at 5.12g/t of gold from 278.90m in hole 24BLDD017
- 28.90m at 3.59g/t of gold from 244.64m in hole 24BLDD015
- 10.45m at 3.80g/t of gold from 788m and 3.98m at 10.80g/t of gold from 894.49m in hole 24SJDD001.
“Our expansion plan for Bluebird – South Junction continues to gain momentum with five drill rigs currently operating,” Bramwell said.
“A new underground diamond drill platform designed to test the upper reaches of South Junction is scheduled to commence this quarter.”
It was revealed last week that Westgold is set to significantly expand its portfolio by acquiring WA gold miner Karora Resources.
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