Endeavor mine moving to continuous shifts as restart gains pace
Australian miner Polymetals Resources has ramped up operations at the Endeavor silver/zinc mine, in Cobar, New South Wales, with mining teams shifting from dayshift-only work to continuous operations following the recommencement of hoisting and milling on November 15.
The restart follows a rigorous review of explosives-handling procedures undertaken after the October 28 accident that claimed the lives of employees Patrick “Ambrose” McMullen and Holly Clark.
Executive chairperson Dave Sproule said on Tuesday that the impact of the incident continued to be felt across the company and the broader Cobar community, adding that the return to operations was essential to supporting employees, suppliers and stakeholders.
Near-mine exploration has also been stepped up, with diamond drilling under way at the Carpark prospect and night-shift drilling added to increase productivity as the programme moves into deeper target zones. A second drill rig is due to arrive this week to accelerate work aimed at defining additional silver, zinc, lead and copper mineralisation.
Transport of silver/lead concentrate to port is ongoing, with a shipment scheduled for early December. The mine completed its first zinc concentrate shipment in October.
Regional exploration programmes are advancing, with preparatory work underway ahead of planned drilling campaigns.
With production activities resuming, Polymetals said it would continue managing working capital through its concentrate prepayment facility. The company is also in advanced discussions on standby credit facilities, with details to be released once finalised.