Galena Mining Ltd (ASX:G1A) has achieved 83% construction progress as of August 31, 2022 at its Abra Base Metals Mine, situated in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia.
Notably, the arrival of the flotation cells and regrind mill in Australia completes the entry of all key construction equipment coming from overseas suppliers for this project.
Looking ahead, Abra’s overall progress continues to remain in line for project completion, with the first commercial production expected in the March quarter of 2023.
Operational readiness activities continue
Galena managing director Tony James said: “With the flotation cells and the regrind mill landing in Australia, all the key pieces of equipment required for the Abra processing facility have arrived.
“On-site, construction activities have now past 83% with focus at the plant shifting to the installation of the remaining mechanical items, piping and electrical installation.
“Operational readiness activities continue as the site prepares to start some early dry commissioning activities.
“It’s also pleasing to see the TSF earthworks essentially completed and the power station reaching 94% completion.”
Progress at Abra
To date, Abra’s processing plant engineering, procurement and construction have reached 90% completion.
Mine decline development continued in the East Decline during August, with a total of 242 metres developed and the decline reaching 1,337mRL.
The decline location is 213 metres vertically below the surface and approximately 24 metres vertically above the orebody.
During August, the primary ventilation raise drill pilot hole reached 1,390mRL and the back reaming of the 6-metre diameter hole commenced.
By August 15, new underground diamond drill grade control holes were completed across 2,141 metres.
Assays from the holes drilled in July are expected to be returned in September for evaluation.
The second underground drill is also scheduled to commence drilling in early September, following the installation of the required power services.
In surface bulk earthworks, good progress continued with the tailing’s storage facility (TSF) earthworks nearing completion and the site power station reaching 94% completion.
Key equipment order and delivery schedule from overseas suppliers