First underground development ore stockpiled at Kathleen Valley
07/08/2024In an exciting milestone for the Kathleen Valley Lithium Project, the first spodumene-bearing pegmatite has been intercepted in the Mt Mann underground development. This milestone has been achieved right on schedule.
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Ore from the underground development is now being stockpiled on the ROM pad, joining the ore from the open pit. Ore drive development, which is the process of developing underground tunnels (drives) to access and extract the ore, is set to commence in the coming weeks.
The progress we’re making with our underground mine development is a testament to the dedication of Byrnecut and our hardworking team.
Open pit mining at Kathleen Valley began in January 2023 and underground mining at the Mt Mann pit commenced in November 2023, marked by the first blast to create an underground portal. The Mt Mann pit has six portals to support one-way trucking movements and ventilation drives, designed to future-proof the operation and enhance the safety and productivity of our underground mining activities. Over 4,000 underground development metres have so far been achieved.
This development highlights our commitment to advancing the Kathleen Valley project to schedule, ensuring a reliable supply of essential minerals to power a sustainable future.
To learn more about how we’re mining the orebody and our underground mine plan at Kathleen Valley, watch the animation below: