JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Despite the suspension of its processing operations at its New Liberty gold mine in Liberia, dual-listed Aureus Mining produced 8 274 oz in the three months to June 30.
The gold miner also sold 11 731 oz during the second quarter, delivering revenue of $14.7-million.
In early May, Aureus temporarily suspended processing operations at the mine owing to problems with the detoxification circuit, which had not been operating to original design specifications. This resulted in higher concentrations of weak acid dissociated cyanide in the process effluent.
The miner subsequently restarted operations at New Liberty, with operations also progressing in the Kinjor and Larjor pits. Tonnes mined during the quarter totalled 2.74-million tonnes, including 201 774 t of ore at an average grade of 3.58 g/t.
However, mining operations continue to be hampered by low equipment availability, with a consequential adverse effect on unit mining costs. Aureus is currently undertaking a review of the options to remedy the situation.
Management is also undertaking a full supply chain review to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.