Scotgold Resources Ltd began long hole stoping yesterday with the first blast in the eastern section of the 430 West drive at its Cononish gold and silver mine near Tyndrum in Scotland.
LONG HOLE STOPING
The operations follow poor gold grades encountered at the 430 West ore drive, prompting the company to alter its plans from extracting ore via level development and cut-and-fill stoping to long hole stoping.
Long hole stoping is a cost effective and efficient extraction of ore.
The first stope* was completely drilled, comprising 70 holes for 950 metres, over the past 10 days within the expected timeframe.
FIRST ORE
Scotgold today said that that first ore was being delivered to the processing plant ROM pad for processing to produce gold concentrate for sale.
“This is a reflection of the team’s dedication to transition the mine into long hole stope mining,” said the company.
Scotgold is currently conducting long hole stoping along a 115m strike in the eastern section of the 430 West drive.
The company also poured further gold doré this week on site to sell jewellers to generate further revenue.
*a dugout tunnel or space containing the ore being mined