Kingston Resources Ltd (ASX:KSN) has started open pit mining at the Pearse North open pit of its Mineral Hill gold and copper project in the Cobar Basin of central NSW.
An initial blast occurred on June 11 and the first oxide ore was delivered to the (run-of-mine) ROM pad immediately after.
The milestone start of open pit mining comes just three weeks after Kingston successfully completed the tailings retreatment project.
Hard rock mining operations under the previous owners ceased at Mineral Hill in 2016 and Kingston’s safe restart at Pearse North is a major step towards its goal to become a regionally significant producer.
The company also advises that its plant refurbishment program is well advanced and it expects to be treating open pit oxide ore next month with ore being stockpiled on the ROM pad.
Surface cleared and first pattern drilled out at Pearse North with the Pearse South open pit in the background. Mining will initially commence at Pearse North and a cutback will commence on Pearse South.
"Major step forward"
Kingston Resources managing director and CEO Andrew Corbett said: "We are delighted to announce the commencement of open pit mining at Pearse North, which signifies a major step forward for the Mineral Hill project.
“The safe reintroduction of drilling and blasting operations, and commencement of mining activities are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team.
"The Pearse North and Pearse South open pits will be the initial stages of our return to hard rock mining at Mineral Hill, and we look forward to continuing to develop this project and delivering value to our shareholders."
Local hiring initiative and training
Kingston continues to focus on employing and purchasing locally, ensuring the benefits of Mineral Hill's success stay within the region.
The company has welcomed 15 new employees to the Mineral Hill team over the past three weeks within mining, processing and geology sections. The majority of these new employees are local residents of the Lachlan Shire.
Kingston expects a further 13 people to commence during June and July.
As it transitioned from tailings to open pit mining, Kingston took the opportunity to expand training for staff, with its operators undertaking registered training in Certificate III in Resource Processing or Surface Extraction.
Kingston remains committed to strengthening its owner-operator mentality and building a mining team that is multi-skilled and flexible, powering its growth as the company continues to expand mineral resources and increase the production potential at Mineral Hill.
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