PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Gold production from the Gruyere mine, in Western Australia, declined slightly in the three months to June following mining delays, with the company adjusting full-year guidance.
ASX-listed Gold Road Resources on Monday reported that Gruyere produced 76 053 oz of gold in the June quarter, compared with the 82 604 oz produced in the March quarter, with all-in sustaining costs (AISC) for the quarter increasing from A$1 399/oz to A$1 620/oz.
Gold Road had previously noted that gold production in the June quarter would be impacted by mining delays arising from low drill and blast availability, reducing the quantities of higher-grade run-of-mine ore from the openpit.
The reduced ore mined resulted in a requirement to blend low-grade stockpiled ore through the processing plant, resulting in lower production and increased costs.
Gold Road’s share of sales for the quarter reached 38 297 oz at a record average sales price of A$2 961/oz, with the company’s attributable operating cash flows for the quarter reaching A$68.3-million.
For the full year, Gruyere is expected to produce between 320 000 oz and 350 000 oz, down from the previous estimate of between 340 000 oz and 370 000 oz, with between 160 000 oz and 175 000 oz attributable to Gold Road, with the production guidance allowing for the lower-than-planned ore mining rates that could continue while the drill and blast issues are addressed.
Gold Road said on Monday that ongoing blending with lower grade oxide ore stockpiles may be required with the plant head grade potentially remaining lower than the mined grade.
AISC estimate for the full year has remained unchanged at between A$1 540/oz and A$1 660/oz.