Panoramic Resources Ltd (ASX:PAR) has executed a long-term underground mining contract with Barminco Limited for the flagship Savannah Nickel Mine in Western Australia.
Following the execution of the formal mining contract, rapid mobilisation and transition to contract mining at Savannah is now expected to be completed by early March 2020.
The newer mining fleet to be supplied by Barminco is expected to deliver enhanced equipment reliability.
Targeting efficiencies and higher production volumes
Panoramic’s managing director and CEO Victor Rajasooriar said: “The execution of a mining contract with leading underground services provider, Barminco, represents a significant step forward for the Savannah Nickel Mine and Panoramic.
“We now look forward to delivering a rapid and efficient transition to Barminco run operations.
“With their proven expertise, we are confident that underground mining productivities at Savannah are set to improve significantly over the coming months.”
Savannah North ventilation costs at lower end of expectations
Panoramic has also established a detailed implementation plan for resolving the recent geotechnical challenges encountered in developing the Savannah North ventilation raise.
The ventilation rectification works are to be implemented on the previously guided timeframe (completion during the September quarter) and at the lower end of the $4-5 million expected cost range.
The location of the first stope in Savannah North contains around 5,000 tonnes of ore and mining of it is scheduled to commence in mid-March.
The progressive ramp-up of stoped ore volumes from Savannah North is then expected through calendar 2020.