The findings from the Jasper Hills scoping study, unveiled by Perth-based junior Linden Gold Alliance on Tuesday, illuminate a promising prospect for establishing a dynamic multi-mine development hub in the Southern Laverton Goldfields.
Linden initiated the scoping study following its merger with Lord Byron Mining, which consolidated the two companies’ underground and openpit expertise.
The study for Jasper Hill, comprising the Fish underground and Lord Byron openpit projects, is based on 1.7-million tonnes at 2 g/t gold, delivering 101 100 oz over its first 31 months. The project requires development capital of A$9.1-million for underground development, pit establishment and infrastructure.
First revenue is forecast within six weeks after the cutting of the portal at the Fish underground mine.
Including the existing Second Fortune underground mine at Gwalia, the scoping study demonstrates the case for three Linden operational mines within 12 months.
"The outcomes are an incentive for us to advance our development plans for these projects which, in addition to Second Fortune as a base, provide a potential step change in our annual production towards our goal to become a midsize producer in the south Laverton region,” said MD Andrew Rich.
Linden has started study work on a bankable feasibility study, with the aim of delivering this in the first quarter of next year.
It is also working on a reset mine life and plan for the Second Fortune operation, while finalising the implementation of owner-operator mining at Second Fortune with the same model to be used at the Fish underground mine.