Gruyere project - Operational readiness
Whilst project construction is under way, the future Gruyere JV operational senior management team has been established during 2017. The focus of this team is to acquaint themselves with the project details and evaluation, plus review and establish the future operational systems, processes and practices that will enable safe, sustainable and operational efficiencies in a new world-class mine.
Interim early-stage grade control drilling was completed in late 2017 with results anticipated in Q1 2018. This will provide early advanced information of close spaced ore distribution to optimise short-term mining plans. Mining standards and protocols, stockpiling strategies and equipment monitoring plus maintenance software systems are being assessed and evaluated to supported operational readiness.
Future staffing, skills and competency assessments with a recruiting plan for operational start up in late 2018 are under way.