With Canadian company Thistle Mining looking to increase its
production output at the President Steyn Gold Mines (PSGM) in
Welkom, Free State, to more than 400 000 oz/y, its plan to
construct a $15-million, 150 000 t/m gold process plant at the
Northern section of its mines is looking increasingly
probable.
The production increase is dependent on various aspects, one of
which is the accelerated development of the Golden Triangle –
which increased mineable reserves from 1,7-million ounces to
3,2-millon ounces last year – as well as the development of
the Eldorado (otherwise known as the Massives) project at President
Steyn number thrcopper mining process in waziristanee shaft.
The Golden Triangle (Steyn 3, 7 and 9 shafts), where separate reef
and waste orepass systems have been installed, is expected to help
provide an increased throughput to a capacity of 135 000 t/m of
ore.
Meanwhile, with the development of separate reef and waste orepass
systems to be completed by March, productirare earth processing plant in germanyon from Steyn 1 and 2
shafts is also set to increase steadily during the next six
months.
The Eldorado project, which is 4,5 km long between 50 and 54 level,
can be accessed from the existing shaft at a depth of 1 500
m.
Historically, Anglo Vaal, the original owner of the shafts, mined
in the same area using bulk miningcoal crusher use in bearing no techniques in combined seams 19
m thick, dipping at 70 degrees.
Eldorado is believed to have ten prospective reef layers within the
reef, still dipping at 70 degrees.
Drilling is currently under way and should be completed by the end
of the year.
It is expected that the second gold plant, currently undergoing a
bankable feasibility study, will result in significant surface
transport cost savings, which will ultimately fund the capital debt
of the project over a 30-month period.
If the project is to go ahead, it could lead to the creation of 4
000 new long-term jobs.
Thistle President and CEO Willie McLucas tells Mining Weekly that
the goals for the mine in 2003 will be to continue to increase
production, while, at the same time, lowering operating costs by
taking advantage of the newly-commissioned fourth ball-mill.
Thistle Mining has achieved several milestones since acquiring PSGM
in February last year through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dissel
Holding.
Apart from increased production and reserves, the company has also
managed to improve the mine’s safety records and
environmental performances.
Also, as part of its ongoing commitment to previously-disadvantaged
groups, the company has donated a former adult basic education and
training centre, a stadium and a church to the value of
R6,2-million to the local Polokong School.
The 28-roomed school building and church were renovated at a cost
of R100 000.
Thistle Mining is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the
Alternative Investment Market in London, with offices in Toronto,
Canada, Edinburgh, Scotland, and Manila, Philippines. Apart from
its South African operations, the company also has gold-mining
operations in Kazakhstan and a gold deposit being developed in the
Philippines. Based on resources and reserves, it is considered one
of the top 20 gold-miners in the world.