Pre-production mining has commenced at the Yanfolila gold project in Mali held by Hummingbird Resources PLC (LON:HUM).
For the time being, ore will be stockpiled, ready for introduction into the process plant in the fourth quarter, when the first gold pour is also expected.
Construction of plant and associated infrastructure remains on budget and on-schedule, with the mine slated to produce 132,000 ounces of gold in its first year of full production, the company said in a statement.
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“Commencement of mining activities at Yanfolila is a significant milestone for Hummingbird as we continue to bring the project closer to production by the end of this year,” said chief executive Dan Betts.
“Our contract mining partners, AMS, have mobilised a significant fleet to site and this commitment emphasises the momentum the project has gained throughout the year. As we enter the final months of construction we remain on time and budget for first gold by the end of 2017. We will look to build on the current momentum as we ramp up to full scale mining and production."