Alba Mineral Resources plc said it had identified two clear opportunities for near-term development at the Clogau-St David’s gold mine in North Wales.
TARGETS
Following 12 months’ drilling, the targets have been defined both along strike and down dip of areas of known historic gold production.
The first is the Llechfraith payshoot (LLP), below the Llechfraith Adit, where drilling has proven vein continuity up to ~122 m below existing workings.
The second is the Main Lode system extension (MLS-EX), where drilling has defined a previously unknown Lode (termed the New Branch Lode) while also intercepting the 7-10 Lode and Grandfathers Payshoot at up to ~60 m below existing workings.
DEVELOPMENT
Based on preliminary conclusions, development at the LLP below the No. 4 Level would involve either rehabilitating and extending the existing shaft or developing a new inclined shaft from the Llechfraith Level.
The company’s current preference is for a new inclined shaft.
“The nature of the orebody at Clogau-St David’s, in particular its nugget effect, is such that drilling can only be used for defining structure not grade,” said Alba.
“The only feasible way to assess gold grade is to undertake continuous exposure of the
unworked veins by means of underground development.”
Alba’s next plans to settle detailed engineering plans and budgets, secure contractors and
obtain regulatory approvals.