Perseus Mining Limited has announced an updated life of mine plan for its Yaouré Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa.
The plan extends the operational life of the mine to at least 2035, with the potential for further extension through additional exploration and drilling.
The plan also includes an underground mining operation below the CMA open pit, which is expected to increase gold production and reduce operating costs. The company was confident Yaouré would continue to be a valuable asset and benefit its stakeholders and host communities.
Some of the key points of the updated life of mine plan are:
- Yaouré’s ore reserves now total 37.2 million tonnes of ore grading 1.73 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold, containing 2.07 million ounces from open pits and underground.
- Yaouré’s measured and indicated mineral resources are estimated at 54.7 million tonnes, grading 1.59 g/t of gold, containing 2.80 million ounces. Inferred resources are estimated at 11.3 million tonnes, grading 1.9 g/t of gold, containing 0.70 million ounces.
- The underground mining operation below the CMA open pit will start in 2028 with a peak production rate of 1.5 million tonnes annually.
- The average annual gold production from Yaouré will be about 180,000 ounces over the life of the mine, with a peak of about 200,000 ounces in 2029.
- The average all-in-sustaining cost (AISC) of production from Yaouré will be about US$900 per ounce over the life of the mine, with a low of about US$800 per ounce in 2029.
- The total capital expenditure for Yaouré over the life of the mine will be about US$400 million, including US$150 million for the underground development.
The updated life of mine plan for Yaouré Gold Mine demonstrates Perseus Mining Limited’s commitment to maximizing the value of its assets and delivering sustainable returns to its shareholders. The company has successfully increased its ore reserves and mineral resources, extended its mine life, and improved production and cost performance.
The company also plans to continue exploring and developing new opportunities in the region, as well as engaging with the local communities and authorities to ensure its operations’ social and environmental benefits. Yaouré Gold Mine is poised to become one of the leading gold producers in West Africa, contributing to the economic growth and development of Côte d’Ivoire.
Source: Global Mining Review
