Big Bell

The current combined total Identified Mineral Resource Estimate (JORC) at Big Bell is 1,465,000oz most of which is from the World Class Big Bell Underground Mine.  Westgold has commenced mining studies which have shown that it is viable to re-enter the existing underground workings and recommence production. The current remnant Identified Mineral Resource Estimate (JORC) at Big Bell is 5,160,000t @ 4.50g/t Au (747,000oz). Big Bell was last mined in 2003 due to the low gold price at the time and production pressures brought on by the 2.3Mt per annum gold plant. The plant has since been removed from site and now Westgold has the opportunity in an increased gold price environment to re-evaluate an appropriate mining method and production rate to suit the remnant resources. A more selective mining approach has the potential to provide the base load production to sustain the multi mine operation that is supported by early stage open pit feed and complimented by sustainable high grade production from the Great Fingall and Golden Crown Underground Mines.
 

Considerable exploration potential exists along the gold bearing Big Bell Shear Zone which extends for some 25km within the tenement package. Only four deposits have been mined from this proven structure. Structural jogs along the shear have resulted in economic accumulations of lensoidal mineralisation that vary from 6m to over 35m in width and extend to depths of 1500m below surface. Much of this extensive structure remains underexplored outside the mining centre providing exciting exploration opportunities for similar Big Bell style gold deposits.