Gold, News, Production

Newcrest keeps Cadia moving despite seismic concern

Newcrest

Newcrest Mining has not suffered any interruption to gold production at the Cadia mine in New South Wales after the site was impacted by a seismic event last week.

The company has started investigations after the localised seismic event occurred at around 4am on July 2 at the eastern end of Panel Cave 2.

According to Newcrest, mining operations, development activities and above-ground operations in all other areas of Cadia have continued without interruption. It does not expect any impact to gold production in the 2022 financial year.

Initial inspections have confirmed that Newcrest prevented damage to infrastructure through previous investment in ground support.

However, roadways and ground support near the junction of two extraction drives suffered damage due to the seismic event. There was also minor ground damage to a ventilation rise

The company confirmed all personnel working in the area where the seismic event occurred are safe and accounted for.

“Newcrest has been working with the New South Wales Government Resources Regulator and a prohibition notice has been established around the affected area only,” Newcrest stated.

“A geotechnical report will be sent by Newcrest to the Regulator today for approval to commence rehabilitation activities in the affected area.”

Newcrest was still able to commission its planned semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill for Cadia’s Concentrator 1 despite the seismic event.

In the March 2021 quarter, the company achieved its lowest ever quarterly all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of negative $US160 ($205) per ounce at Cadia.

Newcrest produced 180,000 ounces at the mine during the March quarter. It produced 391,000 ounces of gold and 52,000 tonnes of copper for the six months ended December 31, 2020 at Cadia.

According to Surbiton Associates, Cadia was Australia’s top producing gold mine during the March quarter of 2021.

Newcrest is planning to cut 30 per cent of Cadia’s emissions intensity by 2030 using wind power.

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