MINEX Forum

Tag: commissioning

  • Eldorado Gold Achieves First Ore Crushing Milestone at Skouries Project

    Eldorado Gold Achieves First Ore Crushing Milestone at Skouries Project

    Eldorado Gold Corporation has announced a significant milestone at its Skouries copper-gold project located in Northern Greece, with the first ore successfully processed through the newly commissioned crushing circuit. This development marks the transition of the project into the commissioning phase, which is a crucial step towards full production. The company is targeting the production of copper-gold concentrate in the third quarter of 2026, with plans for commercial production to commence in the fourth quarter of the same year, contingent on the completion of final site energization and commissioning activities.

    The successful crushing of the first ore is a testament to the effective operation of the front-end processing systems at Skouries. The company has reported that commissioning activities are progressing across various operational areas, including crushing, grinding, flotation, and concentrate handling. Eldorado Gold has also taken proactive measures to ensure that commissioning readiness is maintained, including the addition of supplemental generators to provide interim power while awaiting final site energization from the Greek power authority.

    With an ore stockpile of approximately 3.9 million tonnes, the open pit mining operations at Skouries are running ahead of schedule, allowing for a steady ramp-up of the processing plant. This stockpile is expected to support the commissioning and first year of production, reducing risks associated with the initial operational phase. Eldorado Gold’s CEO, George Burns, expressed confidence in the project’s progress, highlighting the team’s commitment to completing the remaining steps safely and methodically as they work towards the first concentrate production.

  • Deccan Gold Begins Pre-Commissioning Trials at Altyn Tor Project in Kyrgyzstan

    Deccan Gold Begins Pre-Commissioning Trials at Altyn Tor Project in Kyrgyzstan

    Deccan Gold Mines Ltd. has launched pre-commissioning trials at its Altyn Tor Gold Project in Kyrgyzstan, moving the asset closer to full-scale production and marking a key milestone for India’s only listed gold and critical minerals exploration company.

    The company said the pre-commissioning programme will be rolled out in stages, starting with the crushing, grinding and gravity concentration circuits, before progressing to the leaching circuit, subject to weather conditions. During this phase, Deccan Gold plans to process between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of ore, with an average grade slightly above 1.0 grams of gold per tonne.

    Gold recovered during the trials will be produced as saleable concentrate or doré bars, allowing the company to validate processing performance ahead of full commissioning. Deccan Gold added that its mining team has already completed the planned mined volume for the year, while assay results from a recently completed resource drilling programme are expected in the coming weeks and could support further optimisation and planning.

    Managing Director Dr. Hanuma Prasad Modali described the start of pre-commissioning as both an operational and strategic milestone, highlighting the project as India’s first direct gold mining presence in Kyrgyzstan. He said Altyn Tor reflects a model of responsible mining and cross-border collaboration, with the goal of building a globally credible asset that strengthens India’s international footprint while delivering long-term benefits to local communities.

  • European Lithium and Sizzle conclude business merger

    European Lithium and Sizzle conclude business merger

    European Lithium has finalized a strategic partnership with Sizzle Acquisition, resulting in the establishment of Critical Metals.

    This collaboration positions the Wolfsberg Lithium Project as the inaugural flagship asset of Critical Metals, with the company’s immediate focus on advancing the mine’s construction and commissioning.

    The successful conclusion of the transaction and subsequent listing of Critical Metals on the Nasdaq represent significant milestones in bolstering the development of this pivotal lithium asset, essential for Europe’s transition to green energy.

    As part of the agreement, European Lithium has received 67,788,383 ordinary shares in Critical Metals, securing the company’s status as the largest shareholder with an 83.03% stake in the issued capital.

    The estimated value of European Lithium’s investment in Critical Metals currently stands at $839 million (A$1.3 billion), based on the closing share price of $12.38 per share as of February 29, 2024.