Heap Leach Costs and Mining Optimisation Pose Key Risks for Gawler Gold
Marmota Limited is progressing its scoping study for the Gawler Gold Project, aiming to establish a heap leach facility processing 1 million tonnes annually over seven years. Completion is targeted by March 2026, with key technical workstreams underway.
- Scoping study targets 1.0 Mtpa heap leach facility over 7 years
- Mining optimisation and scheduling in progress with +/-30% accuracy
- Metallurgical testing advancing through confirmation stages
- Capital and operating cost estimates to be finalised by March 2026
- Environmental and infrastructure planning integrated into study
Project Overview and Objectives
Marmota Limited has provided a detailed update on its ongoing scoping study for the Gawler Gold Project, situated in the Gawler Craton region. The study is designed to underpin the development of a regional heap leach processing facility capable of treating approximately 1 million tonnes of ore per annum for a minimum of seven years. This ambitious target reflects the company’s confidence in the project's potential and its commitment to advancing towards a definitive feasibility stage.
Technical Progress and Methodology
The scoping study encompasses a comprehensive suite of technical disciplines, including exploration geology, resource estimation, mining engineering, metallurgical testing, and process engineering. Notably, the mining team is conducting pit optimisation and mine scheduling exercises using Whittle software, aiming for an accuracy range of plus or minus 30%. This approach ensures a realistic assessment of ore production profiles and cash flow projections.
Metallurgical testing is progressing through two key stages. Stage 1 testing, completed by Australian Minmet Metallurgical Laboratories, provided initial insights, while Stage 2 confirmation testing by Australian Laboratory Services is underway. These tests focus on heap leach parameters such as reagent requirements, percolation rates, and gold recovery profiles, which are critical for designing an efficient processing plant.
Infrastructure and Environmental Considerations
Alongside technical evaluations, Marmota is advancing conceptual designs for infrastructure and services, including water and power supply, ore transport logistics, accommodation, and labour transport. These elements are benchmarked against similar projects to produce capital and operating cost estimates with an expected accuracy of +/- 30%. Environmental assessments are also integrated, reflecting a holistic approach to project development.
Timeline and Forward Outlook
The company anticipates completing the scoping study by the end of the March quarter 2026. This timeline includes finalising economic evaluations and risk assessments, which will provide investors and stakeholders with a clearer picture of the project's viability. While the study remains subject to the usual uncertainties inherent in early-stage mining projects, the structured progress and involvement of reputable consultants lend credibility to Marmota’s development pathway.
Bottom Line?
As Marmota nears its scoping study completion, the market awaits clarity on project economics and next steps toward development.
Questions in the middle?
- How will metallurgical test results influence the final heap leach design and recovery rates?
- What are the key sensitivities in the mining optimisation that could impact project economics?
- How will infrastructure costs and logistics challenges affect the overall capital expenditure?
