Northern Star to lift Jundee production rate by 15%

PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Gold miner Northern Star has unveiled plans to increase the Jundee plant’s capacity by 15% to 250 000 oz/y in 2018, after successful exploration, including the discovery of the 1-km-long Armada trend and the Westside mineralisation some 400 m below the existing workings.

Northern Star told shareholders on Monday that the company had established the cost and effectiveness of the proposed increased capacity by conducting a trial throughout October, which resulted in record throughput of 131 669 t during the month, and the production of 20 414 oz of gold.

The gold miner would also start studies on a phase-two plant expansion, aimed at potentially increasing production to 300 000 oz/y.

“The outstanding exploration results demonstrate the potential to grow Jundee’s inventory in several areas,” said MD Bill Beament.

“In light of these results, we are confident that we can increase the production rate at Jundee and also continue to increase mine life. This strategy is particularly attractive given that the initial production increase will be achieved for virtually no capital costs.

“This means that Jundee will play an important role in enabling us to achieve our goal of growing production to 600 000 oz/y from organic sources in 2018.”