RE: AUE.T 2016-06-23 07:55 ET - News Release
Mr. David Reading reports
NEW LIBERTY GOLD MINE: UPDATE ON THE RECOMMENCEMENT OF PROCESSING OPERATIONS
Aureus Mining Inc. has received approval from the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME) for the plant start-up process at the New Liberty gold mine in Liberia.
Highlights:
-Approval granted by the MLME for the commencement of the plant start up process; -A larger gravity screen has been installed with the aim of optimising performance and increasing gravity gold recovery; -The detoxification circuit has been upgraded and reagent dosing optimised; -Operational changes have been made to the tailings storage facility ("TSF") which aims to increase tailings water retention time; -A full ball mill reline and lifter upgrade has been undertaken prior to plant restart; -The plant restart procedure includes the gradual ramp up in operations from low grade (< 2 g/t Au) ore and a controlled increase towards run of mine ("ROM") grade ore; and -Mining operations continued throughout the plant stoppage with the current ROM ore stockpile balance of approximately 122,186 tonnes at a grade of 3.88 g/t Au;
During the suspension of processing operations, the Company undertook various modifications and optimisation activities within the process plant and detoxification circuit, with the assistance of technical specialists from Maelgwyn Mineral Services Africa ("MMSA") to ensure that the plant operates within its original design specifications. The Company also completed a full reline of the ball mill, fitting the mill with significantly heavier duty liners and also with improved lifters and grates. This reline was originally scheduled to be undertaken at the end of June 2016. Additionally the capacity of the oxygen plant has been increased to provide supplementary oxygen to both the carbon in leach ("CIL") and detoxification circuits.
Following the Company's announcement of 21 June, the Company now has adequate funding available to support working capital needs and preparations are underway for the commencement of the plant pre-start procedure, which will be initiated following the arrival of a consignment of additional reagents that the Company is working to expedite to site.
Mining operations continued throughout the plant suspension with the focus on catching up on waste stripping and exposing fresh ore for mining during the upcoming wet season. The current ROM ore stockpile is approximately 122,186 tonnes at a grade of 3.88 g/t Au.
The Company, in conjunction with its consultants, has undertaken a comprehensive review of its environmental and social action plans and environmental monitoring regimes to ensure full future compliance with the International Cyanide Management Code ("ICMC").
AI
