Matsa Resources is a step closer to commencing mining operations at its Devon Pit gold mine in Western Australia, with a series of pre-mining activities underway.
Following the signage of Devon’s mining services agreement with Blue Cap Mining, the survey layout for Devon Pit’s mine and site infrastructure has been completed, with haul roads, site offices, run-of-mine pads and waste dumps established.
Dewatering of the existing Devon pit has begun, with pipework installations finalised. Water pumping from Devon to Matsa’s Lake Carey gold project is in the commissioning stage.
Once the dewatering processed has been completed, mining of the starter pit will begin. The Red October Village has been reactivated to accommodate Devon Pit’s mining operations.
Matsa is expected to commence mining at the Devon starter pit this month, with first ore to be stockpiled and hauled to FMR’s Greenfields mill in July.
“It’s been ‘all hands-on deck’ for some weeks now and I am really pleased to see the high level of activity at the Devon Pit gold mine with the mining schedule on track to deliver our first 50,000-tonne parcel of ore to the FMR plant for processing and gold sales in September,” Matsa executive chairman Paul Poli said.
“We’ve got drill rigs, excavator, dozer, water truck, pumps, generators and buildings on site, all coming together and there is a real buzz in the group. It’s a hive of activity and really exciting to see things come together on a daily basis.
“With the gold price at $5000/oz or more, we’re expecting good things from Devon and I look forward to seeing Devon ramp up and Matsa making its first gold sales from this exciting project.”
Matsa’s second processing campaign at Devon Pit is scheduled for December.
Until then, the company will undertake grade control drilling at the main lode, following the initial focus being on the starter pit.
Situated in the Laverton region, Devon currently has an ore reserve estimate of 309,000t at 4.59 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold for 46,000 ounces (oz).
Devon’s feasibility study revealed the mine is set to deliver almost $60 million in cash flow surplus (pre-tax) over its 18-month mine life. The study also demonstrated production of 340,000t at 4.6g/t for 50,000oz.
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