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OceanaGold (ASX:OGC) bolsters Haile gold mine reserves

Mining
ASX:OGC
24 September 2020 09:45 (AEST)

OceanaGold (OGC) has added considerable reserves to its Haile gold mine in the U.S. state of South Carolina.

After collating recent exploration efforts at the site, the company has managed to add 60,000 new ounces of gold to its proven and probable reserves, and around 120,000 to its measured and indicated resource estimate.

The updated mineral reserves have extended the mine life into 2033, with current gold reserves reaching US$930 million (approximately A$1.31 billion) in pre-tax net present at a conservative gold price of US$1,500 (approximately A$2,114).

Michael Holmes, President and CEO of OceanaGold, was pleased with that updated estimate, saying it demonstrates the long-term value and significant organic growth opportunity at Haile.

“We are pleased with the results of the updated Haile Technical Report which demonstrate long-term value and significant organic growth opportunity for the operation. These results, coupled with the significant underground exploration upside, makes the Haile Gold Mine a top-tier asset in a great jurisdiction,” he said.

As part of the site expansion, the company expects to commence optimised operations at the Horseshoe underground mine in 2021 with first production following in 2022. Other underground deposits are also being explored at Snakeshoe and Palomino with further drill targets lined up at Aquarius and Pisces.

Michael went on to comment on the difficulties of operating the site, which has previously been flooded by region’s ever-intensifying hurricane seasons.

“We continue to adapt to the extreme weather patterns of the last few years in the Carolinas that have at times hampered mining productivity. Through our experience of operating Haile over the past few years, we have updated its mine plan to deliver over the long-term,” he added.

OceanaGold closed 1.9 per cent down for $2.57 per share.

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