The Certej deposit is best classified as an intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposit based on the abundance of base metals (Pb, Zn, including Fe-poor sphalerite) associated with Au and the presence of a near neutral pH alteration assemblage of quartz-illite-pyrite ±adularia±carbonate. The related igneous rock composition and tectonic setting are also consistent with an intermediate sulfidation ore forming environment; specifically the calcalkaline andesite association and broadly extensional stress state of the magmatic arc, albeit at a distance significantly distal from the arc. Analogous terms in the literature classify similar deposits as sulfide and base metal-rich low-sulfidation epithermal deposits and carbonate-base metal gold deposits.

In the Certej deposit three main andesite phases are recognised, namely Hondol, Dealu Grozii (part of the larger Sacaramb andesite), and Baiaga. The three andesites are broadly similar in composition but the Dealu Grozii/Sacaramb andesite typically contains biotite and is coarse grained, whereas the younger Baiaga andesite is fine grained. The Dealu Grozii and Hondol andesite occur respectively on the eastern and western edges of the main Certej deposit and the Baiaga andesite is located in the centre of the deposit and at depth, and is flanked by Cretaceous and Neogene sedimentary rocks. Silvers of ophiolitic rocks (dominantly altered basalt) are localized along fault and breccia zones within the Cretaceous sedimentary p ........

The project involves the mining and processing of 3.0 Mtpa of ore. Ore would be provided to the process facilities for the first 13 years from the open pit, and for a subsequent two years from the low grade stockpile.

The deposit would be mined by an owner-operated fleet utilizing conventional open pit methods, including drilling, blasting, loading and hauling. Ore would be transported by 90 tonne haul trucks directly to the ore processing facilities. Low grade ore would be hauled to a stockpile for rehandling and processing at the end of the mine life. Waste rock from the open pit would be either hauled to the waste rock dumps located in close proximity to the pit or used for construction of the tailings management facility embankment.

The pit development at Certej will follow progressive phases, which smooth out the production demand thereby limiting and deferring equipment purchases. The phase designs include the East Starter Pit, The East Expansion Pit, The West Satellite Pit and the West Pit.

Each phase has the same geotechnical parameters as the final pit design and is designed with 5m bench heights. The mining schedule draws upon sequential benches of the four phased pits with the phases running concurrent at times.

- subscription is required.

- subscription is required.

- subscription is required.