Alba Mineral Resources plc has extended the due diligence period for the Andover West lithium project in Western Australia while progressing operations at its Clogau-St David’s gold mine.
DEWATERING
The company now has until 18 June 2024 to decide whether it wishes to acquire an initial 50% interest in the lithium rights over the West Pilbara project.
At Clogau in North Wales, further improvements to the on-site pilot processing plant include the addition of a milling stage to the process circuit.
Material now undergoes “several passes” over the shaking and wave tables.
“These adaptations have succeeded in greatly reducing the weight of concentrate which will have to be sent offsite for final refining,” said Alba.
“This in turn is expected to materially improve the overall economics of the production of gold from Clogau.”
All trench 3 fines from the waste dump have been processed and sent to an off-site refiner to assess the gold content
Underground dewatering progresses with the water level remaining “steady” below No. 4 level despite heavy rains.
Alba has acquired a high-powered pump to dewater down to No. 5 level and maintain the water below the level.
Preparations also continue for underground bulk sampling at the primary Llechfraith gold target, with a final plan to take bulk samples from two zones.
Access has been reinstated to the historic explosives magazine near the mine and the Police, who issue the explosives certificate, have visited the site.
The company said it had nearly completed choosing specialist contractors for work at No. 5 level.
Operations will include safety works; installation of ventilation, compressed air and water pipes to the lower levels; installation of a 5-tonne winch system from No.5 level to the top of the Llechfraith shaft; supply and use of explosives; and the bulk sampling operation itself comprising drilling, blasting and mucking out.