Restart Risks Loom as Savannah Goldfields Prepares Georgetown Gold Plant

Maintenance Milestones at Georgetown

Savannah Goldfields Limited is steadily advancing its preparations to restart gold production at the Georgetown Gold Project in Far North Queensland. The Georgetown Gold Processing Plant (GGPP), which has been on care and maintenance since January 2024, is undergoing a comprehensive maintenance program. Since contractors mobilized on 21 September, the work has proceeded safely and on schedule, with critical components such as the ball mills, acid dosing system, and cyanide lines repaired and tested.

These efforts are crucial to ensuring the plant’s readiness for re-commissioning targeted for October. The company’s CEO, Brad Sampson, expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing the team’s focus on safety and operational excellence as they approach production resumption.

Environmental and Operational Approvals in Place

All necessary environmental authorities and approvals have been secured, enabling mining activities at the Big Reef deposit and processing of stockpiled materials from Charters Towers and Agate Creek. Notably, the company has received authorization to extend the tailings storage facility, a critical infrastructure upgrade to support ongoing operations.

This regulatory clearance removes a significant hurdle, allowing Savannah Goldfields to proceed confidently with its planned mining campaign, which includes processing approximately 18,200 tonnes of inferred mineral resources from Big Reef.

Logistics and Workforce Mobilization

Logistical operations are well underway, with haulage of around 950 tonnes of crushed gold-bearing material from Charters Towers to the Georgetown ROM pad resuming in late September and expected to complete in early October. Additionally, transport of approximately 7,100 tonnes from Agate Creek commenced on 1 October.

The company has also finalized contracts for crushing, mining, and drill and blast services, with equipment mobilization occurring in late September. Recruitment of operational staff continues, supported by arrangements for accommodation and laboratory services in the region, positioning Savannah Goldfields to meet its production timeline.

Looking Ahead

With all preparatory elements aligning, Savannah Goldfields is poised to pour gold by the end of October, marking a significant milestone after nearly two years of plant dormancy. The successful restart will be a critical test of the company’s operational capabilities and could set the tone for its medium-term growth trajectory in the competitive gold mining sector.