Marmota Advances Gawler Gold Project with Aurora Tank Mine Plan
Marmota Limited has initiated detailed mine planning for its Gawler Gold project, focusing on the high-potential Aurora Tank deposit. This marks a key step towards unlocking low-cost gold production in South Australia.
- Stage 1 mine plan work commenced at Aurora Tank
- Orelogy Consulting engaged for optimisation and scheduling
- Scope includes Whittle optimisation, pit design, and cashflow modelling
- Project features multiple high-grade gold deposits with strong exploration results
- Mine plan expected to complete in approximately eight weeks
Mine Planning Kicks Off at Aurora Tank
Marmota Limited (ASX, MEU) has taken a significant step forward in advancing its Gawler Gold project in South Australia by commencing work on a Stage 1 mine plan, with a focus on the promising Aurora Tank deposit. This initiative follows the completion of block modelling and the imminent finalisation of a maiden resource, signalling a transition from exploration to development.
Comprehensive Scope to Define Viability
The mine planning work, entrusted to Orelogy Consulting Pty Ltd, encompasses a detailed Whittle optimisation input model, pit optimisation with sensitivity analyses, mine design including ramps and waste dumps, and a base case mining schedule. These components aim to establish a robust framework for production estimates and cashflow projections, essential for assessing the project's economic feasibility.
High-Grade Deposits Underpin Potential
The Gawler Gold project comprises an arc of gold deposits, with Aurora Tank at the forefront. The deposit boasts outstanding gold intersections near surface, including multiple bonanza-grade hits, and has demonstrated excellent metallurgical recoveries suitable for low-cost open pit heap leach processing. Nearby deposits within the Golden Moon JV, such as Greenewood/Mainwood and Campfire Bore, have also delivered impressive high-grade results, reinforcing the project's scale and potential.
Strategic Advantages and Next Steps
Marmota's ownership of all unmined gold deposits in the area, either wholly or with significant stakes, offers economies of scope and scale that could enhance project economics. The mine plan is expected to be completed within approximately eight weeks, after which investors will gain clearer insight into production timelines and financial outlooks. This development aligns with Marmota's broader strategy to unlock value from its diverse mineral portfolio in the Gawler Craton.
Bottom Line?
Completion of the mine plan will be a critical milestone, setting the stage for potential production and investor confidence.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the final mine schedule reveal about production rates and cashflow?
- How sensitive is the project’s economics to gold price fluctuations and mining costs?
- What timeline is anticipated for transitioning from planning to actual mining operations?
