Kingsgate Initiates Mining Operations at Q Pit Expansion of Chatree Gold Mine in Thailand

Kingsgate Advances Chatree Expansion with Q Pit Mining Launch

Kingsgate Consolidated Limited announced on 28 July 2026 the start of mining operations at the Q Pit within its Chatree Gold Mine in Thailand, marking a significant operational milestone. Preparatory work has been successfully completed, including the first controlled blast within the Q Pit area, underscoring the company’s commitment to expanding its flagship Thai asset and supporting its medium-term mine plan.

The Q Pit development is strategically vital for Kingsgate, enhancing operational flexibility by increasing the number of mining faces at Chatree. This expansion provides additional ore sources for processing plants, supporting the mine’s sustainable production profile. Managing Director and CEO Jamie Gibson highlighted that the Q Pit is a key addition reflecting ongoing investment to ensure the mine’s long-term sustainability.

Successful Completion of Preparatory Work and Initial Blast at Q Pit

Kingsgate confirmed that preparatory activities at Q Pit, including drill pad construction, traffic management, and blast clearance infrastructure, are complete. The first controlled blast was safely executed in compliance with operational and regulatory protocols, demonstrating the company’s disciplined approach and the mining team’s capability to meet complex milestones safely.

Gibson noted the successful blast as a testament to the company’s disciplined mine development strategy and praised the Chatree mining team. This achievement builds confidence in progressing the Q Pit development and meeting the planned transition to production mining in August.

Production Drilling Progressing with August Mining Start Target

Production drilling at Q Pit has commenced and is advancing as scheduled. Kingsgate anticipates beginning production mining in August, setting a clear timeline for the next phase of development. Concurrent geotechnical studies and engineering efforts illustrate the company’s coordinated strategy to bring the new mining area into full operation.

This progress indicates Kingsgate is on track to transition from development to active ore extraction at Q Pit by August, ensuring seamless integration into existing operations. The company has not disclosed specific production tonnage or grade expectations for Q Pit at this time.

Ongoing Geotechnical and Engineering Optimization Efforts

Alongside mining activities, Kingsgate is conducting thorough geotechnical studies and detailed engineering, including pit wall design, to optimize Q Pit’s final mining configuration. These efforts ensure development aligns with engineering best practices and safety standards, reflecting efficient project management balancing rapid progress with technical rigor.

Optimizing pit design is crucial for long-term stability, maximizing ore recovery, minimizing risks, and supporting the medium-term mine plan. No specific timelines for completion of these technical studies were disclosed.

Enhanced Operational Flexibility and Ore Source Diversification at Chatree

The Q Pit expansion increases operational flexibility by adding mining faces, allowing Kingsgate to diversify ore sourcing and reduce reliance on any single pit. This supports consistent ore feed to processing plants and adaptability to operational or market changes.

Additional ore sources strengthen Chatree’s sustainable production profile, enabling improved ore blending and processing efficiency. This diversification is central to Kingsgate’s strategy for sustained operational success and extending the mine’s life.

Kingsgate’s Strategic Portfolio and Long-Term Development Focus

Kingsgate Consolidated Limited is an Australian precious metals mining, development, and exploration company managing assets including the Chatree Gold Mine in Thailand and the advancing Nueva Esperanza Silver-Gold Project in Chile. The company prioritizes delivering shareholder value through operational excellence, financial discipline, and growth across its portfolio.

The Q Pit development aligns with Kingsgate’s strategy to expand existing operations while progressing new projects. Investing in Chatree’s expansion via Q Pit demonstrates commitment to extending the flagship asset’s productive life and maximizing value from established infrastructure, balancing near-term improvements with longer-term growth at Nueva Esperanza.

Q Pit Expansion Integral to Kingsgate’s Medium-Term Mine Plan

The Q Pit forms a strategic element of Kingsgate’s medium-term mine plan by adding flexibility in ore extraction scheduling and mining sequence management. This flexibility optimizes mine economics, controls costs, and ensures steady ore supply to processing plants. The diversified ore sourcing from Q Pit supports these objectives.

While specific medium-term plan details such as production targets or capital budgets were not disclosed, the emphasis on increased operational flexibility highlights Q Pit’s critical role in Kingsgate’s strategic roadmap for Chatree. Successful Q Pit development will be key to executing this broader plan.

Investor Outlook and Upcoming Milestones for Kingsgate

Investors will likely focus on the August start of production mining at Q Pit, marking the shift from development to active extraction. Continued progress in production drilling and completion of geotechnical studies will be important milestones ahead of this date. Delivering production mining on schedule will reinforce confidence in Q Pit’s contribution to Chatree’s ore supply.

Following August, ramping up ore extraction and completing detailed engineering and pit design work will be key developments. These may inform future updates on production guidance, mine life, and capital investments. No financial or production forecasts related to Q Pit were provided in this announcement. Future updates are expected to shed light on Q Pit’s operational impact within Kingsgate’s mining portfolio.