Galantas Gold provides update on progress in Northern Ireland

The company has made significant progress in rehabilitating the underground workings, refurbishing and acquiring critical mining equipment, in addition to facilitating the installation of the electrical, water, and ventilation systems.

As Galantas has faced a tight labour market for experienced underground miners, the company has focused on hiring and training local trainee miners. The UK government has now granted Galantas a Visa Licence, which will allow the company to recruit eligible people who satisfy the labour entry requirements from outside the UK and Ireland.

The company has delayed completion of the secondary egress and installation of the manway, which is a prerequisite for the start of production, to mid-May 2022, in order to enable safe rehabilitation of the ramp access and ore headings at the 1048 level. The company has now resolved these geotechnical matters and hired an experienced contract driller to assist with the start-up of production, and expects to recommence development drilling and blasting in the first half of May. The company now expects to begin production stoping mid-to-late June.

Mario Stifano, CEO of Galantas, comments:

“Our team has made significant progress to recommence production at Galantas. The decision to delay the completion of the secondary egress prior to commencement of production by approximately six weeks is part of our commitment to best mining and operational practices for the long-term success of the Omagh Project and mining in Northern Ireland. Initial production is expected at 4500 to 5500 ounces for the balance of the year from mine sequencing and production commencement during the month of June. The company is working with experienced mining contractor QME to develop engineering plans to accelerate development to the Joshua Vein by 12 months, which will enable Galantas to mine from multiple headings and veins to provide greater operational flexibility with an expected positive impact on 2023 production, while also providing drilling platforms to drill both Joshua and Kearney veins from underground.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/exploration-development/28042022/galantas-gold-provides-update-on-progress-in-northern-ireland/