K92 delivers record high production

THE Kainantu gold mine in Eastern Highlands delivered a record production and development last year, according to operator K92 Mining Inc.
Chief executive John Lewins said some major achievements were achieved in the final quarter of the year.
“2020 represented another transformational year for K92,” Lewis said.
“In terms of operations, Kainantu delivered record throughput, production and development, and finished the year strong, with multiple quarterly records achieved in the fourth quarter.
“In the third quarter, K92 achieved two major growth milestones: the completion of the stage 2 plant expansion commissioning, and; the stage 3 expansion PEA (preliminary economic assessment) study.
“The stage 2 plant expansion, has already delivered a notable step-change in terms of the capabilities of the operation, doubling throughput capacity from 200,000 tpa (tonnes per annum) to 400,000 tpa.
“On exploration, Kainantu doubled the number of drill rigs to 10, providing a significant boost to not only the rate of drilling but our capacity to drill multiple targets concurrently.
“In the second half of the year, this resulted in high grade mineralisation recorded at both the underexplored Karempe and Judd vein systems.
“Exploration results have increased our conviction for a higher throughput rate for the stage 3 expansion definitive feasibility study and resulted in more drill rigs being added through 2021.
“Lastly, I would like to highlight that this transformational year was achieved in one of the most challenging environments globally due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The dedication and resourcefulness of our workforce has been exemplary, and the support of government has also been a major factor in our success.”