Fingals Open Pit Contract Awarded: Black Cat Targets 2.2Mt at 1.7g/t Gold
Black Cat Syndicate has awarded the Fingals open pit mining contract to Mineral Mining Services, initiating mobilisation and targeting an initial 120,000 ounces of gold production at its Kal East operation.
- Fingals open pit mining contract awarded to Mineral Mining Services
- Initial production target of ~120,000oz gold from ~2.2Mt ore
- Mobilisation of mining fleet underway
- Reoptimisation expected to increase open pit size
- Ongoing exploration and underground development at Paulsens and Majestic
Contract Award and Mobilisation
Black Cat Syndicate Limited has taken a significant step forward at its 100% owned Kal East Gold Operation by awarding the open pit mining contract for the Fingals deposit to Mineral Mining Services (MMS). This contract, secured after a competitive tender process, covers drilling, blasting, and mining activities on a schedule of rates basis. Mobilisation of the mining fleet has already commenced, signalling the transition from planning to active operations.
Production Outlook and Resource Potential
The Fingals open pit is designed to deliver an initial 2.2 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 1.7 grams per tonne gold, equating to approximately 120,000 ounces of gold. This ore is planned to feed the 1.2 million tonnes per annum Lakewood processing facility, located near Kalgoorlie. Importantly, Black Cat is undertaking a reoptimisation of the open pit, with expectations that the final pit will be materially larger, potentially boosting production volumes and extending mine life.
Exploration and Development Activities
Alongside the Fingals open pit progress, Black Cat continues to advance exploration and development at other key sites. Grade control drilling at Fingals’ northwestern section has been completed, with results anticipated in the September quarter. Meanwhile, underground development is set to commence at the Majestic deposit, which, together with Fingals, will underpin ore supply to Lakewood for years to come. The company is also active at its Paulsens Gold Operation and other regional projects, maintaining a robust pipeline of growth opportunities.
Strategic Implications
Managing Director Gareth Solly highlighted the strategic advantage of partnering with MMS, who are already familiar with Black Cat’s operations at Myhree/Boundary open pits. This continuity is expected to facilitate a smooth operational ramp-up. The combination of open pit and underground mining initiatives reflects Black Cat’s integrated approach to maximising resource extraction and sustaining production momentum.
Looking Ahead
With mining activities gaining traction at Fingals and underground development imminent at Majestic, Black Cat is positioning itself for a period of sustained production growth. The ongoing exploration programs and resource reoptimisation efforts could further enhance the company’s asset base and operational outlook.
Bottom Line?
Fingals’ mining contract award and fleet mobilisation mark a pivotal phase for Black Cat’s Kal East growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the final reoptimised pit size impact capital expenditure and production timelines?
- What will the grade control drilling results reveal about ore quality and mining plans?
- How quickly can underground development at Majestic ramp up to complement Fingals production?