New Century’s Century mine has bounced back in the June quarter, with a 14 per cent jump in zinc production across the three months.
The Queensland operations produced 31,699 tonnes of zinc, which was a marked increase from the March quarter (approximately 27,300 tonnes) when New Century was affected by an extended period of ball mill bypass due to water damage.
The Century site received 498mm of rain in January (approximately 100 per cent of average annual rainfall).
New Century achieved the mid-range of its production guidance for the 2021–22 financial year (118,108 tonnes compared to 110,000–130,000 tonnes), with C1 (direct production) costs also expected to be in the mid-range of guidance ($US0.85–0.95 per pound).
New Century managing director Patrick Walta said the company had achieved its strongest quarterly production since June 2021, with exploration prospects also exciting at Century.
“The company is excited by the opportunity presented to develop a mineable ore reserve at Watson’s Lode and the surrounding exploration potential of the Lilydale prospect,” he said.
“Systematic exploration in this area and further resource delineation is planned for the remainder of 2022, with the aim of extending the planned mine life at Century to 2030 and beyond.”
Drilling at Watson’s Lode, which has targeted increased mineral resource confidence and potential conversion to a mineable ore reserve, recently delivered shallow, high-grade drill intercepts.
These include:
- 7m at 43.2 per cent zinc and lead from 66m
- 4m at 26.4 per cent zinc and lead from 61m
- 5m at 16.9 per cent zinc and lead from 134m
- 8m at 13.7 per cent zinc and lead from 87m.
Watson’s Lode remains open along strike, while New Century’s Lilydale prospect has been identified as a high-potential target, with stratigraphy and structural setting similar to the original Century ‘Big Zinc’ ore body.
New Century aims to complete a drilling program at Lilydale in the September quarter.