Official opening of Bronzewing Gold Mine in Yandal Belt

14/3/95

Premier Richard Court has today described the official opening of the Bronzewing Gold Mine, 68 kilometres north of Leinster, as a significant event in the development of an exciting new mineral region in WA.

Mr Court said it was predicted that Bronzewing was likely to be the first of several major mines to be established in the Yandal Greenstone Belt.

"The operators of Bronzewing, Great Central Mines, are already conducting a feasibility study at Jundee to the north and current estimates put the size of the potential gold resource there in excess of one million ounces," he said.

"Meanwhile Bronzewing, in its first full year of operation, is scheduled to produce 200,000 ounces of gold and output, when underground operations reach full capacity in 1996-97, is expected to rise to 250,000 ounces." 

Production estimates for Bronzewing will make it one of WA's top ten gold producers. 

Mr Court said the Department of Minerals and Energy was optimistic about the mineral potential of the Yandal Belt - with the area being deeply soil-covered and so far lightly explored.

"Prospects for the area will also be greatly enhanced with the completion of the $400 million Goldfields Gas pipeline," he said.

"The pipeline will follow a route to the west of Bronzewing and bring with it access to a reliable and cost-effective source of energy which will be useful in the development of Bronzewing and other mines in the Yandal Belt."

Mr Court said the opening of Bronzewing and further exploration and development of the Yandal Belt would strengthen WA's position as the nation's leading gold producer.

"Last year WA's gold output was 194 tonnes - or three quarters of the nation's production," he said.

"As demonstrated by Bronzewing, our low production costs, high levels of exploration and reputation for innovation will ensure WA remains as the stand out performer in the nation's gold industry."