Pantoro Ltd (ASX:PNR, OTC:PNTOF) has advised that gold production at the Norseman Gold Mine in Western Australia is on track following another strong performance in November, which generated about 5,880 ounces of gold, averaging about 196 ounces per day.
Results for the month to date in December are continuing that pattern, showing a “substantial” increase in daily recovered gold production.
Overall, the processing facility continues to operate above nameplate capacity, with 90,645 tonnes processed in November and recoveries calculated at 92.8%.
Development continuing at pace
“With the open pit at Scotia finally progressing in high-grade mineralisation and the development milestone in the O2 lode at OK mine, the operating position at Norseman has never been stronger,” Pantoro managing director Paul Cmrlec said.
“We look forward to continuing to improve output to deliver the returns that the Norseman project is clearly capable of.”
PNR expects the gold grades from the Scotia South and Scotia Central pits to continue to improve over the next few months as the company drills below the floor of historical open pits, in line with geological models.
The OK Underground development has also reached the first new level of the O2 lode, which was historically mined at a grade of 9.1 g/t gold.
The company says initial development has been impressive at this lode, which has offered gold veins of up to 483 g/t gold.
Nearby at the Star of Erin lode, development and stoping activities have continued to exceed expectations.
Overall, Norseman holds about 65,000 tonnes of high- and medium-grade ore stock as of November month end, with another 199,000 tonnes of low-grade material available.