Shanta Gold, the East Africa-focused gold producer, developer and explorer has announced that its Singida Gold Mine in Tanzania has achieved commercial production, effective 01 June 2023.
Eric Zurrin, CEO, commented: “I am delighted to announce that commercial production has been declared at Singida following what has been a rapid ramp-up period after first gold pour. The mine delivered steady results against production KPIs including consistent gold production and higher than expected gold recoveries, culminating in several successful gold shipments. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our team, which has successfully designed and delivered the project over the past two years from construction through to commercial production. With this key milestone achieved, I can confidently say that Shanta has reached an inflexion point at which the Company can now look further forward for its next phase of growth. The cashflow contribution from Singida materially increases financial flexibility for the Company allowing management to comfortably take the next steps required in its growth journey. This has already been demonstrated through our recent decision to undertake targeted investment in drilling throughout the Shanta portfolio, where we see material opportunities for reserves and resource growth. With our balance sheet in a healthy position underpinned by two producing gold mines delivering 100,000 oz pa, we are excited by the potential that Shanta has to offer and look forward to unlocking further long-term value for our shareholders going forwards.”
Highlights
Commercial production is declared following the construction and ramp-up period, with nameplate capacity of 1000 tpd achieved within weeks following the first gold pour on 30 March 2023.
All key internal commercial production measurements achieved (including processing rate, plant availability, gold recovery, and plant utilisation).
Mining activities are progressing according to schedule with nearly six-months of feed already stockpiled.
Singida gold production has strengthened the company’s free cash flow generation;
FY 2023 production guidance for Singida to follow in June 2023 including 5-year forecast.
Exploration drilling is planned for Q323 to target reserve additions and resource conversion, tapping into the 885 000 oz of resources currently outside the reserve-based mine plan.
Commercial production has been declared at Singida based on achieving 30 consecutive days of mill throughput exceeding 95% of nominal nameplate capacity of 1000 tpd, overall plant utilisation and gold recovery exceeding 95% and plant availability above 90%.
In addition, key necessary permits and equipment are all in place and key personnel required to maintain stable production at Singida, with the first gold shipments being successfully completed in May 2023.
Mining activities at the Gold Tree open pit are progressing according to schedule with nearly six-months’ worth of feed already stockpiled and positive grade reconciliation against the resource model being achieved. The current stockpile totals 187 673 t at 2.17 g/t Au containing 13 085 oz, inclusive of 37 844 t grading 2.40 g/t Au containing 2917 oz for in-plant crushed ore.