The operators of the Kalgoorlie Super Pit – Australia’s largest open cut gold mine – say they will extend its processing life.
Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines (KCGM), a joint venture project between Barrick and Newmont Mining Corporation, say the Super Pit operation will continue to process gold until around 2029.
“While current plans have us stopping open pit mining in 2019, processing the low grade stockpiles has now become part of our long-term plan,” KCGM General Manger Russell Cole said in a statement.
“The inclusion of the stockpiles means KCGM currently plans to process gold until 2029.”
But he cautioned this could change if the economical viability altered due to external factors such as a low gold price, higher taxes or high labour costs.
The mine’s low grade stockpiles were deemed a mining reserve in 2012.
Mr Cole said providing a nominal date for the closure of the mine ensured that adequate planning would be undertaken to minimise potential impacts.
KCGM added that it plans to close two roasters, used for extracting gold, by the end of 2015 to improve air quality.
“KCGM is committed to continually improving the way we operate and this includes our environmental management,” Mr Cole said.
The two roasters will be replaced with a large Ultra Fine Grinding (UFG) Mill.
The company does not plan to alter its staffing levels.
Last year Barrick, the world’s largest gold mining company, cut jobs at the Super Pit mine due to increasing costs and a weaker gold price.
More than 1000 people are employed at the Super Pit.