Highlights
- First Ore Intersection: Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:ORB) intersected the first ore at its Sand King underground gold mine, achieving this milestone within four months of portal establishment.
- Production Target: The mine remains on track for initial stoping ore production in the March 2025 quarter, with a steady-state annual output of approximately 60,000 ounces expected by the June quarter of 2025.
- Development Progress: Smooth underground development has advanced with 427 metres of decline and 835 metres of total development completed, supported by grade control drilling confirming high-grade and bulk tonnage lodes.
Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:ORB) has reported significant progress in the development of its Sand King underground gold mine, situated in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields. The company achieved its first ore intersection within just four months of establishing a portal at the site in August 2024. This milestone marks a pivotal step toward the mine’s production schedule.
The development at Sand King includes multiple ore lodes intersected in the first crosscut at the 315 Level. These intersections represent critical progress, with the project firmly on track to commence initial stoping ore production in the March 2025 quarter. By the June quarter of the same year, steady-state production is expected to reach approximately 60,000 ounces per annum.
Advancing Underground Development
The underground progression at Sand King has demonstrated efficiency and consistency, underpinned by favorable ground conditions. To date, the team has achieved 427 metres of decline development and 835 metres of total development. This swift progress reflects meticulous planning and execution.
Grade control drilling has further validated the mine’s potential, confirming the presence of multiple mineralised lodes at each level. The results include high-grade lodes as well as significant bulk tonnage opportunities. These findings enhance confidence in the mine’s ability to deliver long-term value.
Exploration and Resource Expansion
Ongoing drilling activities have not only confirmed existing mineralisation but have also extended the known mineralised zones. This highlights the potential to further expand resources at Sand King. The drilling outcomes underscore the project’s ability to unlock substantial untapped value within the mineralised system.
Outlook
With critical milestones achieved ahead of schedule, the Sand King project represents a cornerstone of Ora Banda’s broader growth strategy. The combination of advanced exploration, robust development progress, and promising production targets places the company in a strong position within the gold mining sector.