The processing facility project at Black Cat’s Paulsens gold operation in Western Australia is progressing on target, with refurbishment well underway.
To date, Black Cat has completed the fabrication of the run of mine wall structure, cyanide mixing plant and a new crusher control room, as well as the removal of structural steel across the gravity tower in preparation for repairs.
The company has also finalised repairs to carbon-in-leach tank floors and the installation and commissioning of three of the five new diesel generators at power station two.
“The processing facility refurbishment activities are progressing safely and efficiently with commissioning on target for December 2024,” Black Cat managing director Gareth Solly said.
Future work at Paulsens will include concrete remedial repairs around the processing facility, upgrades to the camp, and the fitting out of the laboratory.
Alongside the refurbishment work, Black Cat has been completing the onboarding process of new employees.
“Onboarding of personnel is proceeding to plan with strong interest in roles at Paulsens,” Black Cat said.
The company is expecting to finish the installation and commissioning of the last two generators, registered plant inspections and gas infrastructure inspections and testing in due course.
Underground activities commenced at Paulsens just last week, including the installation of secondary ventilation fans and mine services, ladders and platforms, the rehabilitation of existing escape-way systems and the firing of development headings.
“Black Cat is rapidly expanding the operations team and mobile fleet as we ramp up mining activities as part of our high-grade stockpile strategy,” Solly said.
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