PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Okvau gold mine, in Cambodia, has poured its first gold.
ASX-listed Emerald Resources on Thursday reported that two gold bars weighing a combined 8.6 kg were produced during the three-day commissioning of the gold room.
“The first gold pour is a major milestone for both the company and for Cambodia as the project becomes the first modern large-scale mine to operate in the country. This marks the creation of a new industry for Cambodia bringing opportunities and benefits for the people of Cambodia,” said Emerald MD Morgan Hart.
“Construction activities have remained on budget and the first gold pour has remained on schedule despite the logistical challenges brought on by the global pandemic. It is a testament to the skill and experience of the team we have assembled on site throughout this process.”
Commissioning activities at Okvau are well advanced and have initially been focused on the processing of oxide ore from crusher to the semi-autogenous grinding mill, and through the carbon-in-leach tanks, stripping circuits and detox circuit.
The focus will now shift to commissioning the fine gold float circuit and adding higher-grade sulphide ore to the process plant over the coming weeks as the Okvau project ramps up to full production.
The mine is forecast to produce between 100 000 oz/y and 110 000 oz/y once in full production.