The Chairman of NQ Minerals David Lenigas today announced that the company has formally taken possession of the Beaconsfield Gold Mine in Northern Tasmania.
Mr Lenigas says that now the company has taken ownership of the mine and processing plant, work can commence on refurbishing the assets and detailed planning for the proposed decline.
“We are delighted to have acquired the Beaconsfield Gold Mine and we are looking forward to bringing it back into production as soon as we are able.
“The mine has a long and rich history in Northern Tasmania and we understand the importance of this heritage to all Tasmanians.
“Since the tragic rockfall in 2006, the mine has been in care and maintenance, bringing with it a loss of local jobs and economic activity in Beaconsfield and surrounding towns and we envisage jobs to the local community will be a priority for NQ Minerals.
“We are looking forward to bringing the jobs and economic activity back and becoming involved with the community, in the process employing local people.” Mr Lenigas said.
Mr Lenigas says the process now is to commence refurbishing the processing plant as soon as possible with a view to initially commence recovering gold from the multitude of old working in the area and some of the estimated 67,000 ounces of gold in Tailings Dam #1 with the first pour slated for the end of 2020 or early 2021.
“We don’t underestimate the challenges ahead, but there is a great pool of local talent in the area familiar with Beaconsfield that will assist us with this task ahead.” David added.
Mr Lenigas said NQ Minerals has demonstrated its commitment to re-establishing and rehabilitating old mining operations at the Hellyer Gold Mine, which has become a sizeable long-life operation in north-west Tasmania.
“We approach projects in a very careful, methodical manner and we strive to earn and maintain the community’s support to operate.
“We are cognisant of our need to operate to the highest possible environmental standards and implement very robust and comprehensive environmental management systems.
NQ Minerals will employ as many local people and contractors as possible and it is envisaged that once the operation is up and running roughly 250 people will be employed on a direct and indirect basis at Beaconsfield.
David added the opportunity to bring Beaconsfield back into operation reinforces and builds on NQ Minerals’ existing activities, commitment to, and strategy in Tasmania.
