DMIRS has passed the mining proposal to approve Red 5’s construction of the King of the Hills process plant, with contractor MACA Interquip now mobilised at site to begin earthworks.

MACA’s engineering and procurement works will encompass the processing facility, equipping bore fields, high voltage power distribution and workshop, warehouse and bulk earthworks.

The construction of the King of the Hills village, which started in October is also well advanced, with all central facilities buildings, including the kitchen, wet mess, recreation room, administration building and gym now on site.

Red 5 managing director Mark Williams said this final approval and mobilisation of MACA had led to a major increase in activity at the King of the Hills site.

“With final approval for the commencement of construction of the processing plant now in place we have a hive of activity underway at King of the Hills, with bulk earthworks progressing and installation of the village well underway,” Williams said.

“Major components of the mill are being manufactured or undergoing refurbishment and upgrade, putting all of our workstreams on-track for the achievement of first gold production from the 4 million tonne per annum King of the Hills bulk mining operation in the June quarter of 2022.”

King of the Hills is expected to have a mine life of at least 16 years and boasts a mineral reserve of 2.4 million ounces of gold.