Both the PFS and the current FS geotechnical programmes were designed and were being monitored by SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd, which included a recent site visit by a senior geotechnical consultant. The primary objective of the geotechnical programme is to upgrade the PFS work to an FS level.
Highlights
- 21 geotechnical drill holes completed in 2021 for a total of 2551.5 m of geotechnical drilling for a geotechnical study to FS level on La India Open Pit.
- Optical and/or acoustic televiewer employed depending on hole conditions.
- Laboratory analysis of rock mass units on selected core samples is underway at Agapito Associates and Advanced Terra Testing, Colorado, USA.
- A combined 32 geotechnical drill holes for 3251.5 m has been completed on La India opencast providing sufficient data for FS level design pit angles for the pit over the life of mine.
Mark Child, Chairman and CEO, commented: “The completion of an additional 2551.5 m of geotechnical drilling for a total of 3251.5 m of geotechnical drilling to date in support of the slope stability assessment, which includes pit slope angles, represents a significant milestone in the completion of the FS for La India Open Pit. The geotechnical analysis will establish the design parameters for the ultimate pit design and the intermediate phases, which in turn will govern the detailed production schedule that underlies the FS due in 1Q22.”
