Korea gold explorer Bluebird Merchant Ventures Ltd (LON:BMV) expects to finalise the extraction method for ore at the Kochang mine by the end of April.
Samples so far indicate the ore is not problematic and does not require complicated or expensive extraction techniques, said Bluebird, which will allow for lower cost processing options.
Work has started to strengthen the entrance to Kochang ahead of a drilling programme to establish the continuity of three gold veins 150m below the surface.