AngloGold Ashanti (ASX: AGG) and Independence Group's (ASX: IGO) Tropicana Gold Project has increased 1.48 million ounces to 7.89 million ounces of contained gold.
The increase follows the 2012 drilling program, with the companies noting that there is now greater confidence in the viability of a larger pit at Havana.
Tropicana is 330 kilometres east-northeast of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, and is part of the Tropicana Joint Venture, owned by AngloGold (70% and Manager) and Independence Group (30%).
The growth in resource primarily reflects additional drilling completed as part of the Havana Deeps Pre-Feasibility Study, targeting the down plunge and along strike extents of the Havana ore body outside the current Havana open pit.
Detailed mining, metallurgical and other study investigations are underway and will be completed during 2013, with a view to updating the Ore Reserve.
The Pre-Feasibility Study will consider the trade-off between open pit and underground mining options and will provide recommendations as to the optimal mining approach.
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