Auric Targets 6,100 Ounces from Munda Starter Pit Over Five Months
Auric Mining has officially begun mining operations at its Munda Gold Mine Starter Pit in Western Australia, marking a key milestone in its growth strategy. The company targets 6,100 ounces of gold production over five months with full site infrastructure now operational.
- Mining commenced at Munda Starter Pit on 10 May 2025
- Site infrastructure including haul road, ROM pads, and waste dump largely complete
- Targeting 125,000 tonnes of ore at 1.8g/t gold grade
- Projected production of approximately 6,100 ounces of gold at A$2,635 per ounce AISC
- Plans to begin Munda Main Pit mining in 2026
Mining Operations Kick Off at Munda
Auric Mining Limited has taken a significant step forward by commencing mining activities at the Starter Pit of its Munda Gold Mine, located near Widgiemooltha in Western Australia. The first earth was moved on 10 May 2025, signaling the transition from development to production phase for the company’s flagship asset.
Site preparations have been thorough, with key infrastructure such as a new haul road, run-of-mine (ROM) pads, and waste dump now largely complete. The mine camp and site office are fully operational, and the entire mining team is engaged on site, enabling Auric to begin free-digging in the upper weathered zones of the Starter Pit. The company expects to initiate blasting within the next two weeks as it reaches fresher rock layers.
Production Targets and Cost Guidance
Auric is targeting extraction of approximately 125,000 tonnes of ore from the Starter Pit over a five-month period. The ore is expected to grade around 1.8 grams of gold per tonne, with a projected all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$2,635 per ounce. This translates to an anticipated production of roughly 6,100 ounces of gold from this initial phase.
These figures align with the company’s December 2024 resource and reserve estimates, which peg the Munda Gold Deposit at an estimated 145,000 ounces of gold. Auric’s Managing Director, Mark English, emphasized the importance of this milestone, noting that the mine represents the company’s future for the next five years and that the team is settling in for sustained production.
Funding and Future Plans
The Starter Pit mining is fully funded from proceeds generated by Auric’s Jeffreys Find Gold Mine near Norseman, ensuring financial stability as operations ramp up. Looking ahead, Auric plans to complete detailed planning for the Munda Main Pit, with mining anticipated to commence in 2026. This progression underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint and extending the mine’s productive life.
While the initial focus is on the Starter Pit, the broader Munda project holds promise given its sizeable resource base. The company’s ability to maintain cost discipline and meet production targets will be critical in delivering value to shareholders as it transitions into a producing gold miner.
Bottom Line?
Auric Mining’s move into production at Munda sets the stage for a pivotal growth phase, with operational execution now under close market scrutiny.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Auric meet its targeted production and cost metrics over the Starter Pit’s five-month timeline?
- How will the transition to the Munda Main Pit in 2026 impact overall production and costs?
- What are the potential risks or challenges in scaling up operations beyond the Starter Pit?
