The program of trial stoping at MMG Limited’s (MMG) Dugald River development project commenced on scheduled during the first quarter 2014.
The commencement of the trial in March followed significant preparatory work, including further geotechnical analysis and test work on backfill, in January and February.
Scheduled to continue throughout 2014, the trial will enable MMG to optimise underground mine design and gain important practical mining experience.
MMG General Manager Queensland Operations Mark Adams said that the area chosen for the trial was representative of the broader geotechnical conditions present at Dugald River.
“During the trial, ore will be extracted from 27 various transverse and longitudinal stopes at a maximum width of 30 metres.
“Our current focus is on safely completing this program as the information obtained throughout 2014 will help shape the future of MMG’s Queensland Operations.
MMG also provided an update on Century production in its first quarter production report, which was released today.
Zinc production at Century was lower than the previous period due to the impact of persistent seasonal weather and stability of the Stage 8 west wall affecting access to high grade ore.
In total, Century produced 112,693 tonnes of zinc in zinc concentrate and 12,560 tonnes of lead in lead concentrate during the quarter.
2014 production guidance at Century is unchanged at 465,000 – 480,000 tonnes of zinc in zinc concentrate and 70,000 – 75,000 tonnes of lead in lead in concentrate.
Mr Adams said that safety was MMG’s first priority and that Century was continuing to closely monitor wall movement within Stage 8.
“Based on current mine plan, we expect to complete mining of Stage 8 during the final quarter of 2014.
“Ore will then be accessed solely from Stage 10 until the completion of mining from the Century open pit.”
While continuing to investigate options to further utilise its infrastructure in north-west Queensland, MMG announced in December 2013 that last production from the Century open pit would occur in mid- 2015.