Trigon Metals to Pause Open-Pit Operations at Kombat Mine as Underground Production Surges
Trigon Metals has achieved an average of 980 tons of ore mined daily from its underground operations over the past 30 days, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth.
This accomplishment follows the October 2022 streaming agreement with Sprott Private Resource Streaming and Royalty (B) Corp. and Sprott Mining Inc.
As part of its operational strategy, Trigon Metals announced that it will pause open-pit mining at Kombat Mine by the end of September 2024.
This decision comes after the successful recommissioning of the underground mine, with commercial production officially starting on May 23, 2024.
The company cited three key reasons for the shift:
- Grade Superiority: The underground mining operations offer a significantly higher ore grade compared to the open-pit.
- Milling Capacity Constraints: Kombat Mine’s plant is limited to processing 1,000 tonnes per day, making it more efficient to prioritize higher-grade underground ore.
- Stockpile Utilization: Trigon will supplement production by processing existing lower-grade stockpiles until underground operations reach full steady-state capacity.
Trigon has notified its open-pit mining contractor, Tulela Mining and Construction, about the pause, and demobilization will occur by the end of September 2024.
Trigon Metals CEO Jed Richardson emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that it enables the company to surpass ramp-up targets outlined in the feasibility study and de-risk the Sprott streaming agreement.
This ensures Trigon will not have to convert the advanced principal from the stream agreement into a loan.
“Exceeding the 900 tonnes per day average from the underground is a significant milestone for the company and a testament to the team’s dedication to delivering on our commitments.
We are grateful to Tulela Mining for their exceptional support and partnership over the last four years,” Richardson said.
Chief Operations Officer Rennie Morkel highlighted the challenges faced with open-pit mining, particularly with stripping requirements exceeding forecasts.
“Pausing open-pit operations will immediately reduce operating costs, allowing us to focus on higher-grade underground ore. This strategic shift enhances our ability to increase production while maintaining cost efficiency, ensuring a more sustainable and profitable operation moving forward,” Morkel added.
