Alba Mineral Resources plc has removed around 25 tonnes of ore from historic mining, due to be processed for gold, from the Llechfraith target at its Clogau-St David’s mine in north Wales.
BLASTING
The “significant” exercise cleared the in-situ ore on levels 4 and 5, which “greatly exceeded” the anticipated volume and consequently extended the development timeline for bulk sampling.
Blasting has taken place on levels 4.5 and 5 with the new ore yet to be removed to surface for sample processing and assaying.
The next sequence of blasting is expected to begin on level 5 later this week.
Alba said that blasts to date had confirmed that the rocks at Clogau were “amenable” to blasting by “low-impact deflagrating” explosives.
Additional remedial works requested on site visits by HM Inspectorate of Mines, part of the Health and Safety Executive, and Natural Resources Wales are also complete.
The company has pressed on with other work at Clogau, including improvements at the adit level; levels 4, 4.5 and 5; and to the processing plant.
Land has been cleared, with historic mine material saved for possible gold content, and further safety measures installed.
An extension has also been granted to its European Protected Species licence, for underground operations until 30 September 2025.
Executive chairman George Frangeskides added: “Since our last update, we have completed a substantial amount of work underground.
“We have been working hard also on our plans for the commercialisation of gold produced from Clogau.
“We intend to release soon the details of a limited run of commemorative coins which are being produced from our test gold production to date.”