Both Tongon Southern Zone (SZ) and Northern Zone (NZ) resource models and open pit designs have been updated during the year, using a significant quantity of new data from grade control, advanced grade control and resource drilling.
Gains were identified within the SZ open pit resources from grade control drilling which replenished mining depletion for the year, while model changes due to infill resource drilling reduced the mineral resources from the NZ, resulting in a 2% net reduction of declared mineral resources year on year.
The priority at Tongon in 2022 continued to be progressing satellite targets with the potential to extend the life of mine.
At Seydou North, further drilling and subsequent updates to the geological model successfully led to the extension of the planned open pit and an increase to the resource. Mining operations commenced in late 2022.
A review of the fertile Stabilo Trend is underway to identify new high impact satellite opportunities along the over 5 kilometer structure hosting Seydou North and several additional prospects. Targets will be prioritized prior to testing in the first quarter of 2023.
At Koro A2, results continue to demonstrate economic satellite potential over a 500 meter strike, with significant results received in the fourth quarter of 2022. The system is open along strike in both directions and at depth with further drilling planned in early 2023.
At Jubula Main, enc ........