The plan devised by our specialists provides for a big stand alone operation 100% mined by open pit methods.

In 2007, mining works were carried out in order to complete geological exploration works and to prepare the deposit for operations. 

Mining works were carried out according to a mining plan to produce material for a commissioned Resin in Pulp plant and for the next year.  This included advanced stripping and preparation mining works.  Mining works are carried out by two electrical excavators EKG5 and 3 diesel excavators Cat 330, 8 Belaz trucks with a capacity of 30 tonnes and six Cat and Volvo in-pit trucks with a capacity of 38 tonnes. 

The commissioning of the complex comprising a primary crushing unit, a SAG mill, 2 spiral classifiers, a cyanide leaching circuit, a heap leach, a tailings dam and all necessary auxiliary divisions was carried out in September according to the mining plan.  The main focus of the operation of the plant post commissioning was the development of the new separation technology for the different fractions of the milled ore – silt-based and crystallised sand.  The technology was proved to be feasible and the main parameters of the process were established.

During the commissioning phase, bulk samples of both high and low grade ore were successfully treated at the Pokrovskiy facilities.

As planned, the Pioneer plant requires the addition of a ball mill to the process circuit in order to process frozen ore during winter.  Accordingly the Pioneer plant was taken off-line in November for the addition of the ball mill, and is expected to be operational in its year-round state from March 2008.