PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Gold miner Kingsgate Consolidated has reported higher production of 55 601 oz for the three months to June 30, compared with the 34 538 oz produced in the previous quarter.
The higher output was owing to its Chatree mine, in Thailand, having resumed operations in March after a temporary suspension was ordered in January.
The shutdown was ordered after random urine and blood tests of villagers nearby the mine revealed above-standard arsenic and manganese levels. However, an environmental report confirmed that the Chatree operation was not the source or cause of the elevated arsenic and manganese levels.
The Chatree mine delivered 36 413 oz of gold during the quarter ended June, compared with the 15 899 oz produced in the previous quarter, while the Challenger mine, in South Australia, delivered a further 19 188 oz, compared with the 18 639 oz produced in the previous quarter.
For the full-year ending June, gold production reached 205 245 oz.
For the 2016 financial year, Kingsgate’s total gold production was expected to reach between 165 000 oz and 180 000 oz, with the miner telling shareholders on Friday that the mine plan at Challenger was under review as the current reserves were expected to be depleted in the March quarter of next year.
Work was continuing to explore options to extend the mine life at Challenger.