Simberi mine recovers from pandemic’s effects

**The ore processing plant at St Barbara’s Simberi operation in New Ireland. – Picture courtesy of St Barbara**

ST BARBARA Ltd’s Simberi operation site saw significant improvements to volumes of ore mined, waste mined, and ore milled as it recovered from the impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak that affected ramp-up rates in the prior quarter, according to the company.
The company in its fourth quarter report for 2022 financial year ended June 30, said due to Covid-19-imposed border restrictions, its first on ground chief executive officer operational review for two years occurred in the third quarter.
In collaboration with the new general manager on site, a revised mine plan has been developed which delivered more ore to the mill improving production.
The AISC (all in sustaining cost) at Simberi dropped by 41 per cent to US$2,416 (about K5,762) per ounce as the site continues recover from the impact of the Covid-19 in February 2022.
The company announced a strategic review of the Simberi asset on June 22.
Front end engineering design (Feed) study work for the sulphide project was completed during the quarter.
A number of parties have expressed interest to acquire the asset and discussions with interested parties are underway.
Meanwhile, St Barbara managing director Craig Jetson said the mine had finished the year strongly, “achieving both our production and cost guidance at a site and group level for financial year 2022”.