The US Bureau of Land Management has approved Nevada Gold Mines’ (NGM’s) plan of operations for its new Goldrush underground mine, at the Cortez complex, paving the way for the mine ramp-up to start next year.
Goldrush will produce 130 000 oz in 2024 and will grow to about 400 000 oz/y by 2028, Barrick Gold said on Monday.
Barrick and NGM have invested more than $370-million in the project to date and the company anticipates spending a total of $1-billion (100% basis) to get to planned production.
Barrick said recruitment is being ramped up and the delivery of production equipment is on track. Goldrush will create about 500 jobs during construction and 570 new jobs during operations.
Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow says the addition of Goldrush will not only expand an asset base that already hosts three tier-one mines, but is a clear indication of the Cortez complex’s enormous potential for continuing growth.
NGM, majority-owned and operated by Barrick Gold, is the world’s largest gold production complex.