Gold Industry Group member Ramelius Resources announced record gold production exceeding guidance again in the September 2016 quarter, totalling 36,179 ounces of gold.
The company’s operations in Western Australia was up from its guidance of 31,000-35,000oz, while unit costs were expected to be significantly lower than the guidance of $A1100/oz, due to the higher production level.
All Ramelius operations reported an increase in contribution, with Mt Magnet production at 17,121oz, Kathleen Valley at 11,102oz and Vivien at 7956oz.
Ramelius recorded group quarterly production of 32,752oz in the June quarter, above its guidance of 28,000-32,000oz.
The changes came as Ramelius started preparations for work on the Blackmans open pit and the Water Tank Hill underground, while announcing a probable ore reserve of 1.87 million tonnes at 1.3 grams per tonne gold for 78,0000oz gold at its Milky Way satellite pit.
Ramelius Managing Director Mark Zeptner said it was great to bring the Milky Way deposit into reserve, but looked forward to a number of positive exploration updates across the company portfolio over the next three to six months.
“Consecutive record quarters from the operations team is an excellent performance result carried out with a minimum of fuss,” he said.
“The December 2016 quarter will be a particularly busy period with Kathleen Valley winding down and mining commencing at both Blackmans and Water Tank Hill, although we are experienced in this area.”
Ramelius has set production guidance at 135,000oz for FY17, up from 110,839oz.
The company had $88.7 million in cash and gold on hand in the September quarter, after making $23.4 million from a July capital raising.