Perseus Mining Limited (ASX/TSX: PRU) has announced that pre-strip mining operations have commenced at the Central Ashanti Gold Project in Ghana.
Mining will scale up over a period of six months, with the first ore scheduled to be mined in April to provide a stockpile of ore for process plant commissioning.
With the excellent progress made to date on the process plant construction and infrastructure development, the Company remains confident that gold production will start during the September quarter 2011.
Recent construction progress includes final preparation for the lift and assembly of the SAG mill and ongoing installation of the 54 inch gyratory crusher.
"The commencement of mining and preparations for installation of the crusher and SAG mill are key indicators that we are entering the final phase of implementation of the CAGP."
"Initial mining of waste will facilitate completion of the ROM pad and assist in the tailings dam construction. Grade control has commenced and a wide zone of ore is exposed in the floor of the Abnabna pit."
"Current reserves at the CAGP total 3.3Moz, with significant additional resources. The Company anticipates further resource and reserve increases this year, and currently has eight drill rigs operating at the CAGP."
Source: Perseus Mining Limited