Gold miner and lithium developer Firefinch has announced to have commenced open open-pit operations at the Morila gold mine in Mali.
The mining area Morila Pit 5, is located on the western margin of the Morila Super Pit. Malian contractor EGTF was selected to complete all mining preparatory works. It has mobilised a new 100t class fleet at the mine. Nearly 100,000t of ore from Morila Pit 5 have already been hauled to the run of mine (RoM) stockpiles.
Firefinch managing director Michael Anderson who made the announcement said that the of Pit 5 right next to their operating processing plant, combined with recent drilling results that enhanced economics, made it a compelling opportunity to fast-track the first production before commencing mining at their other satellite deposits.
Mineral resource
“Importantly all the work has been undertaken safely, and it is very pleasing to have engaged the Malian owned and operated contractor EGTF, to resume mining at Morila Pit 5. Having taken these first steps, we of course remain very focused on the main prize bringing the Morila Super Pit back into operation,” said Director Michael Anderson.
According to the estimates, the Morila Pit 5 contains an indicated and inferred mineral resource of 840,000t at 1.1g/t. However, the ore reserve estimate for the mining area has not been declared. The Morila gold mine in the Sikasso Region of Mali poured its first gold in 2000.
Although operations were suspended at the mine in 2019, the ore stockpiles continued to be processed, with 27,000oz of gold produced in the same year. Firefinch owns a stake of 80% in the Morila gold mine while the remainder is owned Mali Government.
