Kingston Resources Ltd (ASX:KSN) continues to advance development studies and approvals for the flagship 3.6-million-ounce Misima Gold Project in PNG, with work programs and resource and reserve estimates underway.
Studies and surveys to underpin the completion of a definitive feasibility study (DFS), environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and mining licence (ML) application are also tracking on schedule.
The company anticipates reporting an updated mineral resource and reserve estimate for Misima during the September quarter.
"Progress on multiple fronts"
Speaking to the progress to date, managing director Andrew Corbett said: “Kingston is making fantastic progress on multiple fronts this year as we work to deliver a number of significant milestones on the path to recommencing gold production at Misima.
“We are exceptionally fortunate to be able to rely on a successful historical blueprint for the development pathway for the Misima Gold Project, with extensive historical production data adding further weight to our current studies and de-risking our development plans.
“We look forward to a very active second half of the year, with the definitive feasibility study and approvals program both expected to be completed in early 2022.”
Work on the definitive feasibility study is ramping up with phase-1 metallurgical testing complete and the phase-2 program having commenced.
Other activities include:
- Geotechnical program underway, with geotechnical drilling commencing in July covering the Umuna Pit and proposed waste dump;
- Detailed site survey complete; and
- Tender documentation for major engineering packages released, with contract awards anticipated in July and design work beginning in August.
The mine design package has been awarded, with work on mine planning anticipated to start upon the conclusion of the updated Umuna block model which will form part of the resource update due next quarter.
Further technical studies scheduled
ESIA work programs are also continuing.
Initial field surveys covering pit water quality and sediment sampling, installation of hydrology and meteorology monitoring stations, geochemical characterisation of mine materials, and cultural heritage are underway and expected to be concluded shortly.
Further technical studies are scheduled to begin this month and will continue throughout the second half of 2021.