Greatland Gold said construction of the decline at its Havieron gold mine in Western Australia advanced at a record rate in August.
The decline advanced by 196 metres (m) from July 21, 2022, to 685m currently, Greatland said.
Step-out drilling is ongoing and has also identified mineralisation between the South Eastern Crescent, where the mine is being developed, and the Eastern Breccia and suggesting potential for a link between the two zones.
Partner Newcrest currently has six rigs operating at the site with the new intercepts showing between 1.1 and 3.6 g/t gold at depths of 1,300m plus in the Eastern Breccia and 1.7 gram per ton (g/t) and 7.6 g/t in the SE crescent.
In a statement, Shaun Day, Greatland’s managing director, commented: "The growth drilling program at Havieron continues to deliver outstanding results as high-grade extensions to the mineralisation are identified across the expanse of the ore body.
"With six drill rigs all focusing on growth this demonstrates the commitment to unlock the expansion potential within the Havieron system together with ongoing exploration of adjacent structures."
"The notable acceleration of the decline development is welcomed with improved ground conditions at depth resulting in record advance rates. The improved conditions have enabled completion of the transition to full drill and blast development, which positions the team well for further acceleration in development rates," he added.
Greatland noted that the schedule for first ore continues to be reviewed and will be updated with the release of the Feasibility Study, which remains on track for completion during the December 2022 quarter.