The Bloemhoek Project is bordered by the DBM Project to the east, the main Welkom goldfield to the north and the Beatrix and Joel mines to the south. The principal targets here are the Beatrix and Kalkoenkrans reefs at depths of between 1 300m and 2 400m below surface.
An independent pre-feasibility study was completed at Bloemhoek in October 2009, which resulted in the declaration of an estimated Probable Reserve of 31.6Mt at a head-grade of 5.33g/t Au (5.4Moz). The complete pre-feasibility study is available on this website and at www.sedar.com.
A borehole targeting the southern extension of the high-grade Kalkoenkrans Reef Channel has been drilled and the results from this will be used to update the pre-feasibility study. Agreements have been signed with third parties to acquire the northern and southern extensions of Bloemhoek to consolidate the area.
Bloemhoek PFS
The pre-feasibility study considered a twin-shaft system as the most economic option for a preliminary mine plan at Bloemhoek, sunk to a depth of 1 951m with the deeper areas accessed by declines. A three-dimensional mine plan has been designed, comprising a system of footwall haulages and cross-cuts to reef followed by conventional breast stoping.
Bloemhoek has an estimated Life of Mine of 23 years, with production estimated to begin in approximately six years’ time and average production figures of 224 000 ounces per year.