West Wits Mining Ltd (ASX:WWI) is on track for first ore in February, with all key site infrastructure at the Qala Shallows Project, part of the Witwatersrand Basin Project in South Africa, complete.
The Early Mining Initiative on the Kimberley Reef package of the Witwatersrand Basin is part of the first step in the company’s scoping study production schedule released in August.
Over its 22-year mine life, the project is expected to deliver 1.56 million ounces of gold, with annual output over 18 years of this period averaging 80,000 to 90,000 ounces.
Infrastructure in place
Key site infrastructure, including diesel and power supply, potable and service water, security fences and offices, is in place, while all underground production equipment is on-site.
The initiative is delivering on schedule and the company plans to start production early in the new year, with a yield expected to build to 50,000 tonnes of ore per month.
“The purpose of the Early Mining Initiative is to establish a mining footprint at the existing Qala Shallows, starting with the rehabilitation of the old Qala Adit box cut and decline,” West Wits managing director Jac van Heerden said.
“We remain on track with our set goal to extract between 5,000 and 8,500 tonnes per month starting in February 2022.”
Underground surveys
During underground surveys, the technical services team collected a 150-kilogram ore sample from the old workings. Initial test-work indicates grades are in line with early works expectations and typical of Kimberly reef material.
The technical services team continually monitors rock engineering requirements, as well as ventilation designs, to ensure a safe mining environment for all employees and to employ sound operating procedures in accordance with the Mine, Health & Safety Act.
Regular meetings are held to update the mining plan as more technical information become available.
About West Wits Mining
West Wits Mining targets the exploration, development and production of high value precious and base metals for the benefit of shareholders, communities and environments in which it operates.
Its flagship Witwatersrand Basin Project, in the Central Rand Goldfield of South Africa, boasts a 4.28-million-ounce resource at 4.58 g/t gold.
The basin is a largely underground geological formation hosting the world's largest known gold reserves – it has produced more than 1.5 billion ounces (or more than 40,000 tonnes), which represents about 22% of all the gold accounted for above the surface.
WWI is also prospecting for gold and copper in Western Australia, at the Mt Cecilia Project.