Despite substantial rain impacting Regis Resources’ Duketon gold mine, the mine has remained strong on its unchanged 2023–24 financial year (FY24) production guidance.
Duketon and the surrounding region of Laverton have received over 110mm of rain so far in March, resulting in the temporary closure of Laverton Shire roads around the mine.
Regis’ Tropicana joint venture was also impacted by heavy rain, receiving a deluge of over 310mm over a three-day period.
“While the team on site has done an excellent job managing any potential safety issues, the deluge did result in the suspension of mining operations and a disruption to power supply,” Regis said.
“The process plant is now treating stockpiles and underground feed while ore mining from the open pits remains restricted.”
Supply roads have been closed between Kalgoorlie and Tropicana, which Regis said may further impact processing if on-site consumable stock is exhausted before the roads can reopen.
As a result, Regis has indicated that its quarterly gold production may be in the range of 90–95,000 ounces (oz).
“With these production difficulties, Tropicana will be challenging the lower end of its annual guidance range,” Regis said.
However, gold production of 415–455,000oz for Duketon remains unchanged, as does the expected spend of $48–55 million in exploration and a growth capital of $85–95 million.
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