Gold mining commences at Morila Super Pit

Initial activities comprise pre-stripping of waste from the first stage of the Morila Super Pit, which will continue during 1Q22. Ore mining is currently forecast to commence during 2Q22, with the Morila Super Pit becoming a consistent source of ore in 2H22.

Mining is being carried out by the company’s primary mining contractor Mota Engil working in joint venture with Malian group Intermine (MEIM). Morila SA engaged MEIM in June 2021 to perform contract mining operations at the Morila Super Pit and satellite pits. MEIM initially mobilised to commence mining at the Viper satellite pit. Hydraulic mining of high-grade tailings and satellite pit ore has provided a window to commence mining operations at the Morila Super Pit using the current fleet. A new mining fleet is onsite being assembled and will be operational imminently to ramp up material movement and accelerate the development of the Morila Super Pit.

Dr Michael Anderson, Firefinch’s Managing Director, comments:

“Morila Super Pit is where the greatest value for the business lies and, as we have done consistently to date, we have successfully delivered on another Morila development milestone. Having previously stated that we’d commence mining at the Morila Super Pit in 1Q22 we have broken ground in the first week of the quarter.

“Importantly we are now well set up for 2022; in addition to the fleet that has just commenced work we have a brand new 100 t mining fleet that will be on the go-line next week, and a fleet of larger 150 t units that will be commissioned in the coming months.

“Drilling is also ongoing and continues to provide us with increased confidence in the potential at Morila.

“We look forward to safely developing the Morila Super Pit and generating the full value that Morila the Gorilla has to offer.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/07012022/gold-mining-commences-at-morila-super-pit/