Catalyst Metals is nearing completion of open pit mining at Trident, paving the way for underground operations forecast to start in 2027. Grade control drilling confirms the deposit’s high-grade consistency, supporting plans to double gold production at the Plutonic Gold Belt.
- Trident underground reserves at 397koz at 5.0g/t Au
- Grade control drilling supports consistent high-grade mineralisation
- Open pit mining near completion, underground decline to begin soon
- Annual production from Trident underground expected around 60koz
- Part of Catalyst’s strategy to lift Plutonic output from 100koz to 200koz
Trident Open Pit Nears Completion, Underground Mining Set for 2027
Catalyst Metals Limited (ASX:CYL) is closing in on a pivotal milestone at its Trident gold deposit with the open pit mining phase expected to wrap up imminently. Located 30km northeast of the underutilised Plutonic processing plant, Trident is set to become Catalyst’s fourth mine on the Plutonic Gold Belt, following Plutonic East, the Trident open pit, and K2. The underground decline will be established at the base of the open pit, with underground production forecast to commence in calendar year 2027.
Grade Control Drilling Confirms High-Grade, Consistent Mineralisation
Recent grade control drilling results underpin the high-grade, wide, and consistent nature of the Trident deposit. Catalyst’s program focused on de-risking the first 15 months of underground production, delivering impressive intercepts including 17m at 42.7g/t Au, 15m at 22.9g/t Au, and 13m at 23.7g/t Au. These results align well with the existing resource model and support the company’s confidence in the mine’s potential. Such forward-grade control investment is a deliberate strategy by Catalyst to smooth the project’s ramp-up phase and reduce operational risks.
Trident’s underground reserves stand at 2.5 million tonnes at 5.0g/t gold for 397,000 ounces, with resources totalling 4.7 million tonnes at 5.3g/t for 795,000 ounces. The underground mine is expected to deliver around 60,000 ounces annually over a 10-year mine life, providing a robust second base load ore source for the Plutonic plant.
Strategic Growth to Double Plutonic Gold Production
This development is a critical component of Catalyst’s ambitious 10-year plan to double annual gold production at the Plutonic Gold Belt from approximately 100,000 ounces to 200,000 ounces. The production increase will come from five underground mines: Plutonic Main, Plutonic East, Trident, K2, and Old Highway. Catalyst is actively converting resources to reserves and exploring extensions at these sites, including ongoing drilling at Trident.
Recent operational progress and reserve expansions have bolstered Catalyst’s growth outlook. This follows the company’s doubling reserves and boosting profit earlier this year, which highlighted the strengthening foundation underpinning the Plutonic Belt’s production ramp-up.
Exploration and Operational Execution Underpin Confidence
Managing Director James Champion de Crespigny emphasised the team’s success in delivering multiple mines in rapid succession, noting that each project enhances their development formula, lowering risk and improving predictability. The company’s systematic approach to forward grade control drilling and mine development is designed to mitigate early operational risks and maintain production schedules and budgets.
While the nearby Cinnamon deposit is not currently included in the 10-year production plan, recent high-grade exploration results have prompted Catalyst to reconsider its integration, potentially adding further upside to the Plutonic Belt’s production profile.
Bottom Line?
Catalyst’s disciplined grade control and staged mine development at Trident reinforce its pathway to doubling Plutonic gold output, though timelines and resource extensions remain key variables to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the inclusion of the Cinnamon deposit alter Catalyst’s production and cost outlook?
- Can Catalyst maintain its on-time, on-budget track record as underground mining commences?
- What impact will ongoing drilling results have on resource upgrades and reserve conversions at Trident?