PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Junior Classic Minerals has sailed the last approvals hurdle for its Kat Gap gold project, in Western Australia, having received approval from the Department of Industry, Mines, Regulation and Safety for its Gekko processing plant.
The processing approval followed the recently approved mining approval, mine closure plan, project management plan and native clearing permit, allowing Classic to start full-scale mining and processing at Kat Gap.
“The Ministerial approval was the final remaining hurdle required and the company is now poised to begin full scale mining and processing gold ore using its own on-site facilities,” said chairperson John Lester.
“Classic Minerals is very pleased to be progressing this important project to establish a processing facility in Forrestania, Classic expects to be the only other gold processing plant in the region apart from Marvel Loch gold mine.”
A bulk sample of 6 500 t of ore has been stockpiled, ready for processing once the Gekko plant has been reassembled, and an account with the Perth Mint has been approved for the facilitation of early gold sales.
Classic intends to take a staged approach to mining at Kat Gap, aiming to reduce early overheads and to mitigate risk. Final staged pit design work has started, and Classic is hoping to reduce overheads where possible to maximise profits and minimise risk.