LONDON - Alba Mineral Resources Plc (AIM: ALBA), the mining company focused on the Clogau-St David's Gold Mine in North Wales, has reported significant progress in its underground operations. The company's priority target, the Llechfraith area, has seen successful blasting activities, which are crucial for the advancement of the project.
The volume of ore discovered from historic mining activities at Levels 4 and 5 has surpassed expectations, resulting in an extensive ore extraction process involving approximately 25 tonnes. This development, while extending the company's timeline, is viewed positively as it provides additional material to be processed for gold content.
Alba has encountered delays in its bulk sampling schedule at the Llechfraith Target due to the unexpected volume of ore and additional remedial work requested by the Health and Safety Executive's Mines Inspectorate. However, the company anticipates resuming blasting later this week and will provide an update on the overall timings following this phase.
The blasts conducted thus far have confirmed the rocks' amenability to low-impact deflagrating explosives, a significant step forward for the project. Additionally, Alba plans to auction a limited series of commemorative coins produced from the test gold production in the coming weeks, with further details to be announced.
Since the last operational update on August 30, 2024, Alba has completed numerous underground works, including infrastructure improvements and preparation for transport and processing activities. Surface works and safety enhancements have also been undertaken, alongside regulatory compliance efforts, such as the extension of the European Protected Species Licence valid until September 30, 2025.
The company's executive chairman, George Frangeskides, expressed confidence in the project's progress and the upcoming blasting program's efficiency. He also highlighted the efforts towards the commercialization of gold from Clogau, indicating the upcoming release of details related to the commemorative coins.
This update is based on a press release statement from Alba Mineral Resources Plc, which outlines the latest developments at its wholly-owned Clogau gold mine project.
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