Aim-listed gold miner Hummingbird Resources reports that, with its Mali-based Yanfolila mine returning to operations on December 1, after being shut for six days as a result of illegal roadblocks and public disorder near the mine, mining and processing operations have now restarted.

The miner is in the process of returning the mine operation to a more normalised level of production and, as a precautionary measure, increased security, including the presence of national government personnel, will remain in place as Yanfolila ramps up production.

Increased security and the presence of government personnel has led to an overall slowing of the movement of people and equipment as these security measures remain in place.

“As a precautionary security measure, when operations restarted, mining could not run on a 24-hour basis as is normal. However, we note operations are now running on 24-hour a basis, albeit currently at slower rates as operations continue to ramp up,” says CEO Dan Betts.

As at December 15, Hummingbird has completed the dewatering of the key operating pits, Komana East and Komana West, which saw water ingress into these pits due to the equipment being unable to be manned and maintained during the unrest period. This initially impacted on the ability to operate as planned, however, both pits are now back in operation.

The ramping up of the processing plant since recommencing operations has been gradual, in line with the availability of ore supply from operating pits as they recover to more normal levels.

In addition, Hummingbird has restored Yanfolila’s regular gold pours, which were temporarily ceased during the unrest, while supply chain checks have been finalised. The company reports minimal ongoing impacts on crucial supply chain requirements, including fuel, food, reagents and critical spares.

A full review of plant and equipment has been implemented with limited damage reported and all required repairs completed.

COO Anthony Köcken says that, although the disruption caused by a small minority impacted Hummingbird’s operations at Yanfolila, the miner’s focus on protection protocols of its employees, contractors and host communities has been effective.

“Hummingbird is working collaboratively with our host communities seeking to ensure that such disruptions do not happen again.”

Meanwhile, in relation to mining contractor excavator availability issues experienced in the third quarter, Hummingbird notes that two of the larger excavators (of a fleet of seven) that were unavailable for most of September, are back online.

However, the mining contractor’s excavator fleet is failing to perform consistently to the scheduled mining volume rates and, therefore, Hummingbird is seeking to mitigate this risk with its mining contractor by carrying out a detailed review of the overall contractor equipment maintenance procedures and equipment status.

The miner is also seeking to bring in additional excavators to increase availability, optionality and enable better maintenance of existing equipment. One additional unit is expected to be delivered and operational before year-end.

As a result of these circumstances, Hummingbird expects its full-year production to be between of 84 000 oz and 89 000 oz, while its all-inclusive sustaining costs will be between $1 490/oz and $1 590/oz.

“The key focus for the company at Yanfolila as it moves into the year end is to continue to run the operations safely for the benefit of all stakeholders, executing efficiently on the current mine plans and providing the platform for a more sustainable operational performance in 2022 and beyond,” Betts says.

He adds that, despite the challenges at Yanfolila during the past quarter, Hummingbird is undertaking mitigating measures to ensure a more sustainable production profile at the mine.

“We are currently finalising our 2022 budgeting programmes, with a focus on providing increased production flexibility at Yanfolila, with the goal being to improve free-cash flow generation from the mine and continuing with the company's overall growth plans.”