Black Cat Advances Paulsens Refurbishment Ahead of First Gold Pour
Tajha Pritchard
Black Cat Syndicate has achieved significant milestones in the refurbishment of its Paulsens gold mine in Western Australia, targeting its first gold pour in December 2024.
Key Achievements:
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Commissioning Progress:
- The dry commissioning of the crushing circuit is complete, with wet commissioning now underway to build a low-grade crushed stockpile.
- Installation of critical infrastructure, including Knelson gravity concentrators, a 415-volt switchboard, and 880 KVA generators, has been finalized, marking key milestones in the refurbishment timeline.
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Infrastructure Upgrades:
- Completion of a new oxygen storage tank and the connection of CIP circuit pipework.
- Repairs and upgrades to the power station’s fuel systems and the tailings storage facility (TSF) have been finalized, ensuring readiness for operations.
“All refurbishment activities have been completed on time, within budget, and with no safety incidents,” said Black Cat managing director Gareth Solly. “Our focus now shifts to finalizing dry and wet commissioning as we approach first gold later this month.”
Path to Production
The commissioning process will scale up from low-grade material to high-grade ore, culminating in the first gold pour. Concurrently, selective mining and preparations for a fully mechanized fleet remain on schedule.
Future Plans
Black Cat is preparing for an accelerated exploration program in 2025, with plans to expand near-mine drilling at Paulsens and exploration at Kal East. This strategy aligns with the company’s vision for long-term growth and enhanced production.
“Refurbishment at Paulsens marks a significant step forward, and we are excited about the growth opportunities ahead,” Solly said. “Our comprehensive plan positions Black Cat Syndicate for a strong operational and exploration performance in 2025 and beyond.”