Pacgold Achieves Major Breakthrough At White Dam Project In South Australia

Pacgold Marks Significant Milestone with Gold Production at White Dam Project in South Australia

The commencement of gold production through heap leach operations at Pacgold’s newly acquired White Dam project in South Australia marks a substantial shift for the company, as it transitions from project acquisition to operational stage. Located approximately 80 kilometers west of Broken Hill, the project is poised to become a significant contributor to Pacgold’s growing portfolio of gold assets.

Heap leach gold production at White Dam is currently underway, with cyanide irrigation being implemented along the western side of the leach pad. This process involves circulating a solution through the ore to dissolve the gold, allowing for its extraction and subsequent processing. Roughly 250,000 tonnes (t) of original run-of-mine (ROM) ore from the first lift of the existing heap leach dump is expected to be under irrigation by mid-January 2026.

The use of cyanide irrigation in heap leach operations has been a subject of increasing scrutiny in recent years, with concerns raised about its potential environmental impacts. However, Pacgold’s implementation of this technology is designed to minimize waste and maximize gold recovery rates. The company has opted for the recently relined and approved pregnant leach solution (PLS) pond, which will be used in conjunction with the site’s existing processing infrastructure.

To further enhance the efficiency of its operations, Pacgold plans to commence a complete re-crush programme for the final lift of the heap leach pad. This process involves grinding the remaining material to a finer consistency, allowing for improved gold extraction rates and enhanced overall performance. Equipment mobilization is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

In addition to its focus on heap leach operations, Pacgold has also announced plans to resume drilling activities at its St George gold-antimony project in north-east Queensland, Australia. The maiden drilling programme aims to test the depth extent of high-grade gold and antimony-bearing veins, with results expected to provide valuable insights into the project’s potential.

To support the anticipated restart of full-scale mining, Pacgold will conduct an engineering study to assess expanding the pad base and adding approximately 4 million tonnes (mt) of additional leach capacity. This expansion is designed to accommodate the increased production rates expected during the ramp-up period.

The White Dam project represents a significant strategic move for Pacgold, as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in the Australian gold market. The company’s management team has expressed confidence in the project’s potential, citing its substantial resource base and growing demand for gold.

Pacgold’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its implementation of environmentally-friendly practices throughout its operations. The company has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint, including the use of renewable energy sources and waste reduction strategies. By maintaining high standards of sustainability, Pacgold can ensure its long-term success in this challenging but rewarding industry.

The global demand for gold is likely to continue rising, driven by a growing economy and increasing inflationary pressures. As Pacgold navigates this challenging landscape, it must also contend with the impact of shifting global economic conditions on the mining sector. The ongoing shift towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices in the industry will require companies like Pacgold to be proactive in addressing these concerns.

To stay ahead of the curve, Pacgold is investing heavily in research and development, seeking to improve its processing technologies and reduce its environmental footprint. This commitment to innovation will be crucial in enabling the company to maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly changing market.

The success of Pacgold’s heap leach operations at White Dam will depend on several factors, including the effectiveness of its processing infrastructure, the quality of its ore feedstock, and the overall market demand for gold. With a growing global economy and increasing inflationary pressures, the demand for precious metals is likely to continue rising.

As the mining sector continues to evolve, companies like Pacgold will be crucial in driving growth and innovation. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, investing in research and development, and maintaining high standards of quality control, Pacgold can ensure its long-term success in this challenging but rewarding industry.