Review of International Operations

Damang Gold Mine

Technical short form report (PDF - 1MB)

		Production focus on higher-grade, harder ore mix. In combination with the recently installed secondary crushers, this has been instrumental in raising production at the mine Ongoing Mineral Resource and Reserve drilling, which has increased the life of the mine from 2014 to 2020 – and potentially beyond. Confirmation drilling around the planned Damang Super Pit continued to deliver positive results Planning the commencement of implementation of owner mining, laying the foundation for a long-term reduction in costs Implementation of an extensive capital strip programme to increase mining flexibility and lay the foundation for future production growth
PRODUCTION: 6,451 kg (207,000 ozs) TOTAL CASH COSTS: US$660/oz

The Abosso Mine operated from 1882 until 1956. From 1989, Ranger Exploration, initially with other partners, firstly examined the feasibility of re-treating tailings from the Abosso Mine, and then the north-east extension of the Banket Conglomerates towards Damang village. Gold appeared to be associated with both Banket Conglomerates and a flat-lying quartz vein system.

Pitting and trenching carried out between 1990 and 1992 demonstrated near-surface mineralisation over approximately a 3 kilometre strike length. Follow-up drilling commenced in 1993. By early 1996, a 3 Moz Mineral Resource had been estimated and a feasibility study demonstrated that open pit mining would be viable to a depth of about 200 metres. The current estimated depth for the Damang pit is 300 metres following the approval of a cutback in 2005.

In 1997 the construction of the Damang Gold Mine and mill was completed and mining commenced in August with the first gold pour in November. In January 2002, Gold Fields acquired a stake in the Damang Gold Mine.