More significant steps are being taken at the Stawell Gold Mine as production continues to draw nearer.
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Production stope firing took place for the first time in more than two years at the mine on Friday night, a key milestone for the site.
Stawell Gold Mine general manager Troy Cole said they have been blasting for “a little while” but Friday was the first time production blasts had taken place since reopening.
“It is another big step in the process,” he said.
“We will return to production blasting activities more regularly as we access new parts of the mine.
“This production blasting we haven't done for two years so it is quite a milestone.”
Mr Cole said they are currently extracting from the west flank of the mine setting at the moment.
“We will be building up ore stock over next few weeks in anticipation to process through the mill,” he said.
“We aim to start commissioning by mid to late January.”
Things are on the up at the mine more than two years since it shut its doors, with more than 100 people currently engaged and that number expected to rise throughout the year.
Mr Cole said all workers have been “very, very busy” over the holiday period but are enjoying being back.
“There has been lots of construction activity taking place over the holiday period, with holidays for some and not for others,” he said.
“We have quite a number of people engaged putting the mill back together and putting in processing tanks which has taken a lot of hard work.
“We are very appreciative of everyone’s efforts and can’t wait for the year ahead.”
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