Randgold Resources > Operations > Loulo Gold Mine > Loulo Underground Projects
Yalea underground mine
During the quarter, 1 779 metres of development was completed and 90 179 tonnes of ore at 3.7g/t was hauled to surface. The progressive development to date is 23 875 metres.
The table below summarises the underground section’s achievements during the year:
| YALEA UNDERGROUND PERFORMANCE | ||||
| Development metres |
Ore tonnes* |
Grade (g/t)* |
Total tonnes mined |
|
| Q1 2011 | 1 869 | 91 588 | 4.0 | 196 007 |
| Q2 2011 | 2 155 | 78 113 | 3.5 | 235 385 |
| Q3 2011 | 2 789 | 118 842 | 3.7 | 288 764 |
| Q4 2011 | 1 779 | 90 179 | 3.7 | 205 202 |
| Total 2011 YTD | 8 592 | 378 722 | 3.7 | 925 358 |
| * | Hoisted ore. |
The Yalea decline has advanced a total of 2 393 metres from surface at a vertical depth of 371 metres. The improving trends in the development were interrupted this quarter by the necessity to do waste stripping in the decline at Yalea and a change of contractors. The waste stripping will end in February 2012.
Stoping started during the quarter at the Yalea North section, with the decline into the main decline being holed as per plan.
Ore production during the quarter came from 113L succession block and some portions of the first section of 63L NTH and the mine commenced opening up the next level (208L).
The installation of the second primary fan has been completed.
Gara underground mine development
During this quarter a total of 1 791 metres of development was completed.
The table below summarises the Gara underground section’s achievements to date:
| GARA UNDERGROUND PERFORMANCE | ||||
| Development metres |
Ore tonnes* |
Grade (g/t)* |
Total tonnes mined |
|
| Q1 2011 | 1 196 | - | - | 119 665 |
| Q2 2011 | 1 529 | 28 126 | 4.6 | 142 020 |
| Q3 2011 | 1 968 | 47 885 | 4.7 | 184 012 |
| Q4 2011 | 1 791 | 60 204 | 5.3 | 218 068 |
| Total 2011 YTD | 6 484 | 136 215 | 4.9 | 663 765 |
| * | Hoisted ore. |
The Gara declines have advanced 1 542 metres from surface at a vertical depth of 248 metres. Overall development has decreased due to the number of headings available and the commissioning of the primary ventilation circuit.
Gara stoping started in November with three stopes being mined on 65L, despite difficulties experienced developing the slots and other vertical excavation.
A total of 60 204 tonnes of ore at a grade of 5.3g/t was hauled to surface, sourced from ore drive development and stoping on 65L. The decline development has exposed 85L and 110 levels.
The first primary fan was commissioned at Gara.