Dalradian Resources has completed a new preliminary economic assessment (PEA) of its Curraghinalt gold deposit in northern Ireland. The PEA anticipates average production of 194,000 oz/y of gold during the first five years of operation and an average of 149,000 oz/y over the remainder of an 18-year mine life. Life-of-mine gold production is estimated at 2.9 million oz.
Curraghinalt’s NI 43-101-compliant resources include a measured mineral resource of 20,000 mt grading 20.15 g/mt gold for 15,100 contained oz, an indicated mineral resource of 2.98 million mt grading 10.34 g/mt gold for 989,000 contained oz, and an inferred mineral resource of 8.01 million mt grading 9.67 g/mt for 2.49 million contained oz.
Capital costs to construct the Currag-hinalt project are estimated at $249 million, including contingencies of $48 million.
The mine plan calls for mechanized longhole mining with ramp access and truck haulage at a production rate of 1,700 mt/d. As the deposit is open at depth, a shaft may be required in the future to access levels below the current mine plan. The plan includes inferred resources that will require further exploration drilling to upgrade them to measured and indicated.
The proposed processing flowsheet consists of crushing, grinding, cyanidation and conventional tailings disposal. Total gold recoveries, based on existing metallurgical test work, are expected to be approximately 92%.
Dalradian Resources is a Canadian company, headquartered in Toronto and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
