JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – ASX-listed Ark Mines is on track to complete its Union extended (UE) mining management plan (MMP) for the establishment and operation of a carbon-in-leach (CIL) gold processing plant in the Northern Territory by early 2018.
Desktop hydrogeological studies and terrestrial ecology desktop studies have been completed and field components are under way, while field components are planned to start mid-January 2018.
Studies have also started for geochemical assessment of tailings and a tailings storage facility (TSF) and water management assessment design is under way.
At this stage, all major elements of the UE project are proposed to be constructed on previously disturbed operational areas. Consequently, no additional clearing of remnant vegetation is expected or planned.
UE optimisation studies have been completed and quotes for significant CIL processing plant components have been requested from suppliers in China and South Africa, with several requests having now been satisfied.
Ark is further evaluating the supplier information provided and is coordinating its evaluation with Panasia. Once Ark’s evaluation of supplier quotes is complete, the design for the UE CIL gold processing plant can be finalised and incorporated into the MMP application.
“It is pleasing to see the UE project advancing well within the company’s expectations. Preparation of the MMP is on track and we are pleased with the supplier responses we have received to date. The project is critical to the company’s vision of becoming a socially minded Northern Territory gold producer,” Ark Mines MD Roger Jackson said.