Gabbs Project Feasibility Study: Nominal Production Rate Increased to 12 Million Tonnes per Year and Mill Operations Advanced to Year Three
Key Feasibility Study Parameters
- Crushing circuit comprised of two, seven-million tonnes per year, three stage crushing trains, with high pressure grinding rollers used for the third stage;
- Years one and two of operations, heap leach facility operating at a rate of 14 million tonnes per year; and
- Year three of operations through remaining mine life, mill facility operating at a rate of seven million tonnes per year in parallel with a heap leach facility operating at a rate of five million to seven million tonnes per year.
The increased operating rate in the first two years will provide increased cash flow to pay back capital costs and increase stripping of the oxide mineralization to expose sulphide mineralization for mill operations in year three, with minimal to no stockpiling and rehandling.
The twin, seven million tonnes per year crushing trains will provide the increased crushing capacity required for the first two years of operations and from year three onward provide flexibility to dedicate one train primarily to the mill circuit and the other (or both) to the heap leach facility as needed. In addition, by operating identical twin, seven-million tonnes per year crushing trains the Company will simplify maintenance, spare parts inventory, operator training, and procedures, which is expected result in cost saving over the life of mine.
"The decision to increase the production rate at Gabbs to a nominal rate of 12 million tonnes per year and advance mill production to year three supports our feasibility study targeted production rate for Gabbs of 150,000 ounces of gold and 45 to 50 million pounds of copper production per year," commented
Feasibility Study Update
The Feasibility Study metallurgy test work is in progress with studies for heap leaching, flotation and comminution underway. With the decision on the production rate for the Gabbs Project, equipment selection and the general arrangement design can proceed. Power supply studies are in progress.
Permitting Update
Water Resources
Authorization has been received to drill three test wells and five monitoring wells. A water well drilling contractor is mobilizing to site and is expected to commence drilling the first test well this week.
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