Alkane Resources Limited (ASX:ALK) (OTCMKTS:ALKEF) is progressing the approvals process for the proposed development of San Antonio and Roswell deposits, which have potential to extend the life of the Tomingley Gold Project (TGP) in Central West New South Wales.
Extensive consultation has been taking place with local landholders and key government agencies with this process expanding to broader community and stakeholders.
Preliminary pit and underground designs have been prepared to show potential plans and impacts during the consultation process.
Managing director Nic Earner said: “Whilst still conceptual in nature and expected to change through consultation, the open cut and underground designs being considered would allow a significant extension to the life of Tomingley Gold Operations (TGO) on approval.
“We have been proactive in our engagement locally, regionally and with the NSW State Government, and we look forward to the next stage of engagement with regulators, stakeholders and the community.”
Mine development approval
Alkane is seeking approval for both open cut and underground mining at the San Antonio and Roswell deposits, south of the current operations.
Inferred mineral resources at Roswell and San Antonio are 7.02 million tonnes at 1.97 g/t for 445,000 ounces, and 7.92 million tonnes at 1.78 g/t for 453,000 ounces, respectively.
Alkane is seeking approval for mining development via both underground and open cut at these deposits, as well as extension to the life of the Tomingley Gold Operations (TGO).
Current proposal
The current indicative design includes:
- A single open cut, combining the San Antonio and Roswell deposits (around 1.7 kilometres long, up to 700 metres wide and up to 300 metres deep), which is expected to be mined in stages to allow progressive rehabilitation;
- An underground operation, with a portal within a completed stage of the open cut;
- Two new waste rock emplacements (WRE4 and WRE5) in the vicinity of the open cut (exact size and design to be determined), as well as backfilling of some existing mine voids;
- A haul road that will transport ore via the existing Newell Highway underpass from the open cut to TGO, where the ore would be processed in the existing processing plant; and
- A second residue storage facility (RSF) to the south of the existing RSF and TGO.
The indicative site layout design is likely to change as additional studies and consultation are completed.
Next steps
The company has been in consultation with its key stakeholders, including landholders and regulators, and has received approval to develop an exploration drive from the Wyoming One deposit to Roswell.
For the next stage of seeking approval, Alkane has prepared preliminary plans for both open cut and underground mines beneath Roswell and San Antonio, and will use these plans for consultation purposes.
With the extensive mineralisation across the deposits, as well as the need to relocate the Newell Highway if open cut mining is approved, consultation with community and stakeholders has commenced.