MMG is currently undertaking a Feasibility Study to assess development of an open copper pit to supplement current underground operations at Golden Grove. The Study commenced in May 2010 and the project will be reviewed by the MMG Board for approval by the end of 2010.
When approved the open pit will produce approximately 240,000 tonnes of copper concentrate containing 59,000 tonnes of copper metal in concentrate at 25% copper from 2011 to 2014. The current processing plant throughput of 1.7 million tonnes per annum of ore will be maintained throughout the project.
The open copper pit project was put on hold in 2009 during the global financial crisis and has been recommenced this year as global commodity prices have improved. MMG committed to focus on organic growth and internal development amongst its existing operations in 2010 and this, along with the construction of the new tailings storage facility at Golden Grove, delivers on that commitment.
The Open Pit Project will include development of an open pit mine, waste rock dump and supporting infrastructure including haul and access roads. Concentrates produced will be transported along with existing Golden Grove products via the Yalgoo Ninghan Road and Geraldton Mount Magnet Road to the Port of Geraldton for export.
MMG and its predecessors have engaged in extensive stakeholder consultation since 2007 and completed detailed environmental and technical investigations in relation to the open pit studies. Incorporating feedback from these, MMG now believes there is a level of project certainty as environmental and social issues have been well studied and understood and impacts can be mitigated using standard practice management measures.
For further information or to discuss the Golden Grove Open Pit Project please contact Scott Young, Environment & Community Manager, on +61 8 9956 4273.