Galena Mining Ltd (ASX:G1A) has reached the halfway mark with the construction of Abra Base Metals Mine, its flagship lead-silver project in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.
Construction milestones passed during the last month include the raise drilling of the first 4.5-metre diameter primary ventilation shaft (80 metres) and the start of the civil works associated with the liquid natural gas (LNG) and solar power station.
A great milestone
Managing director Tony James said: “It’s a great milestone to go past the 50% mark for the overall construction progress at Abra.
“Steady progress has been made in the processing plant construction with a total of 766 cubic metres of concrete poured project to date.
“Underground development has reached 880 metres since commencement, against a plan of 815 metres.
“By the end of February, the decline has reached 1,422mRL which is 128 metres below the surface and 109 metres above the orebody.
The successful drilling of the first 4.5-metre primary ventilation shaft also represents a critical reduction in mining risk as the mine will be able to establish the first leg of the ventilation following installation of the primary ventilation fan that was acquired in 2019.”
No delays despite altered delivery times
The company has been advised of five new delivery times for overseas equipment deliveries. The new delivery times are not expected to alter the plant construction program with work programs being modified to accommodate the changes.
During January the manufacturer of the mill equipment reported that one of the girth gear halves was damaged during the tooth cutting machining process.
To ensure the girth gear is made correctly with no inherent defects, the supplier decided to re-cast a new gear and start over. The original three shipments for the mill equipment were then changed to include a fourth shipment for the new girth gear and pinion.
Shipments for sole plates, a lube system and a shell, gearbox and motor are all proceeding as originally planned. The girth gear and pinion are now scheduled to arrive in July, which will wrap up the mill shipments.
None of these changes are expected to cause any delays in the processing plant building schedule.
About the Abra Project
The Abra Base Metals Mine is a globally significant lead-silver project between the towns of Newman and Meekatharra, 110 kilometres from Sandfire’s DeGrussa Project.
Galena has completed a definitive/bankable feasibility study for development of an underground mine and processing facility to produce a high-value, high-grade lead-silver concentrate.
A final investment decision to complete the project was made in June 2021 and the company hopes to complete construction and target first commercial production in the first quarter of 2023.