This study encompassed the following areas:
Completion of extensive drilling, sample collection and assaying of the tailings
Development of the tailings resource to JORC 2012 Indicated Resource Level
Redesign and upgrade of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) in accordance with ANCOLD 2019 standards
Completion of a detailed water balance
Investigation and trialling of several different tailings reclamation and mining methods
Execution of extensive metallurgical test work and analysis designed to maximise gold recovery and minimise reagent consumption
Design, specification, testing and implementation of High Shear Reactors with oxygen injection designed to increase leach kinetics, improve gold recovery and reduce detoxification burden
Development and execution of Process Design Criteria (PDC) which maximised the use of existing plant whilst accommodating specific project requirements such as tailings reclamation feed, material bulk density control, increased plant throughput (from 40 to 100 tonnes/hour)
Research, design and implementation of an efficient and cost-effective method of copper removal
Determination of CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and OPEX (Operational Expenditure) requirements
Extensive economic modelling and adaptation to achieve Mineral Hill's investment objectives
Following completion of the DFS, an independent review by a suitably qualified Competent Person was conducted with acceptance of the DFS. Mineral Hill engaged Atom Minerals to manage and supervise the project readiness and commissioning phases of the project which included the following key elements:
Project Management & Reporting
Scoping, preparation and tendering of key work packages
Supervision of key contractors responsible for tailings dam construction, plant refurbishment, process upgrades, tails reclamation and commissioning
Documentation and handover
The complete reprocessing of the 1.8 million tonnes of tailings is forecast to take 30 months, employ over 40 people and transform Mineral Hill into a solid performing asset capable of self-funding further exploration and mining activities.
