Ramelius Resources has started ore mining at the Tampia gold mine in Western Australia for the first time since it first took over the project in 2019.
First ore was mined from Tampia’s North Pit, with operations expected to progress and move to the higher grade Mace and South Pit areas.
The first road train of high-grade ore is scheduled for dispatch to the Edna May processing facility in Western Australia in early July 2021.
Ramelius managing director Mark Zeptner said Tampia’s gold will make up a large amount of the company’s 2022 production target.
“We are pleased to have commenced the mining of high-grade ore from our Tampia gold mine on schedule with our published mine plan,” he said.
“This is the culmination of the efforts of many employees, contractors, members of the local community and the Shires of Narembeen, Merredin & Westonia.
“Gold from Tampia will represent a significant proportion of our FY2022 production target and will be our first new mine in the Western Australian wheatbelt where we believe we will deliver significant returns for all stakeholders.”
Open pit mining at Tampia commenced in late April 2021 prior to ore mining.
The mine’s work force is at around 85 per cent capacity with a ramp up continuing, while the accommodation village and major site earthworks are mostly complete.
The Tampia deposit was discovered by BHP in the 1980s with Ramelius acquiring the project after taking over Explaurum in 2019.
Ramelius purchased the remaining 10 per cent minority interest and freehold land at Tampia in January for $10.75 million.