Miner Metals Exploration Plc (LON:PLC) has produced its first gold bar from the Runruno Gold project in the Philippines.
It said the first pour was part of the ongoing “test running and debugging” of the processing plant and associated operations.
The explorer added that the carbon-in-leach circuit has now started its “test running and debugging” operations, with the BIOX circuit estimated to start within the next seven to ten days.
The gold poured was mainly recovered from the gravity circuit.
Metals Ex has had an unfortunate year at its principal asset, after it had to suspend operations there because of damage from super typhoon ‘Lando’ in the autumn.
The firm has previously said that it has had to obtain more than 400 permits for the gold mine, another factor that has delayed progress.
Costs so far for the mine have amounted to around US$210mln.
Shares were up 0.62p, or 9%, to 7.25p.