Galena Mining Ltd (ASX:G1A) has begun diamond drilling into the ore body of its 60%-owned Abra Base Metals Mine, having reached the 1,368-metre relative level, just 55 metres vertically above the ore body.
Although underground development was slightly delayed due to the set up of water-pumping infrastructure and mobile equipment downtime, Galena has advanced Abra to 67% completion overall with 72% completion in processing plant engineering, procurement and construction by project spend.
In May the company completed the second leg of the primary ventilation shaft, and in June will install the primary vent fan at surface, which will enable secondary fans to be moved down from the surface box-cut.
“Development remains on plan”
“Consistent progress has been made at Abra and the arrival of key items from overseas like the concentrate filter and thickeners continue to reduce overall execution risk,” Galena Mining managing director Tony James said.
“Underground development remains on plan but was lower than planned during May due to setting up water pumping infrastructure and mobile equipment downtime.
“It's very exciting to see the diamond drill underground and the commencement of diamond drilling into the upper part of the ore body.
“At the processing plant a total of 1,816 metres (73%) of concrete has been poured and 166 tonnes of structural steel has been installed (29%). Progress at the power station and solar farm has also been very positive.”
Galena’s selected contractor for the construction of the tailings storage facility has mobilised to site, with wall construction to begin in early June. Costs and contingencies remain under budget.