Cluff Resources Pacific (ASX: CFR) will begin open pit gold mining operations at the company’s Vatovorona Gold Project in Madagascar early next month.
The announcement comes after the confirmation by Ammtec of a screen fire assay that a 565 kilogram sample of gold bearing material recently returned from Madagascar has a gold grade of 12.3 grams per tonne.
This test result confirms a previous test result from early last month, undertaken by ALS laboratories.
Cluff with joint venture partner Varun Cluff International, has contracted Ambol SARL to begin digging the open pit mine of 140 metres in length and at a depth of 12 to 15 metres.
The company plans to stockpile 15,000 tonnes of gold bearing material within the first three months of operation.
The joint venture provides a production share of all gold produced on the permit of 35% to Cluff and 65% to Varun.
Cluff also has wholly-owned diamond mining and exploration activities in northern New South Wales where 1,500 individual stones have been recovered averaging 4 to 5 carats.