Kingsgate Consolidated has marked a major milestone at its Chatree Gold Mine, surpassing 200,000 ounces of gold production since March 2023. Meanwhile, remediation on Plant 1 progresses steadily, with partial operations maintaining output amid ongoing repairs.
- Chatree mine exceeds 200,000 ounces gold production since restart
- Plant 1 running at 50% capacity with modified SAG Mill circuit
- Ball Mill rebuild and lubrication system remediation underway
- Plant 2 remains fully operational supporting steady output
- Higher-grade ore feed boosts production during repair period
Chatree Surpasses 200,000 Ounces Gold Since Restart
Kingsgate Consolidated Limited (ASX:KCN) has crossed a significant operational threshold at its Chatree Gold Mine, producing over 200,000 ounces of gold and 2 million ounces of silver since operations resumed in March 2023. This milestone underscores the mine's resilience and steady performance despite ongoing infrastructure challenges.
Plant 1 Remediation Progress and Partial Operation
Plant 1 at Chatree continues to operate at roughly half its nameplate capacity, processing 120-130 wet tonnes per hour through a modified SAG Mill circuit. This partial operation is supported by a higher-grade ore feed, helping sustain production levels while key repairs are underway. The company is advancing the Ball Mill rebuild, including overhauls of the trunnion lubrication motor and inspection of critical components.
Specialist contractors and equipment supplier Metso are collaborating closely with Kingsgate to expedite the remediation. Notably, a spare trunnion bearing has been secured and is being airfreighted from Queensland to Thailand, signaling a focused effort to restore Plant 1 to full capacity as soon as safely possible. The Ball Mill lubrication system has been fully inspected and cleaned, with existing equipment restored to operational condition.
Plant 2 Supports Uninterrupted Mining Operations
While Plant 1 undergoes repairs, Plant 2 remains fully operational, ensuring mining activities continue without interruption. The company is optimising the modified Plant 1 circuit and selectively processing higher-grade ore to bolster production during the remediation period. This dual-plant strategy helps maintain steady output despite ongoing maintenance challenges.
Kingsgate’s Managing Director Jamie Gibson highlighted the milestone and remediation progress, stating, "Surpassing 200,000 ounces of gold production since the restart of Chatree is another important milestone for the Company and highlights the quality and resilience of the operation." He added that the repair program is advancing well and in line with expectations, with confidence in safely returning Plant 1 to full operation.
Bottom Line?
Kingsgate’s steady milestone reflects operational resilience, but full Plant 1 restoration timelines remain key to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Plant 1 return to full processing capacity?
- How will ongoing repairs impact Kingsgate’s medium-term production forecasts?
- What are the financial implications of the Plant 1 remediation on capital expenditure?