Mining & Processing

Mining

The Asacha deposit is planned to be exploited by underground mining methods to a depth of some 250m below surface. Ramp access cut and fill is to be used owing to the ground conditions and the steeply dipping nature of the vein system. Open pit mining is also being investigated to improve project economics; however progress in this area will be governed by environmental requirements, permitting and approvals.

Mineral Processing

The multi-vein deposit at Asacha is typical of a low temperature epithermal system. Low levels of sulphide minerals occur, mainly as pyrite, arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite. The gold and silver is generally associated with sulphides and tellurides, although the ore is not refractory in nature.

The Asacha ore is free-milling, with over 95% of the ore amenable to direct cyanidation with a relatively fine grind being beneficial to gold recovery. Processing will take place in a conventional carbon-in-leach process plant.