St Barbara Limited completed on schedule the laying of the deep sea tailings placement pipeline over the past weekend. Wet commissioning of the process plant at Simberi Operations was conducted in preparation for the on-schedule commencement of full processing over the coming week. Simberi remains on track to meet its FY22 guidance with production of between 60,000 and 70,000 ounces, with the first gold pour expected this month. While the mill has been shut down, Simberi has established a 130kt oxide ore stockpile on ROM pads and implemented multiple processing plant upgrades. These upgrades include the replacement of cyanide mixing and storage tanks, refurbishment of the rope conveyor, installation of downcomers in the carbon in leach (“CIL”
circuit to promote slurry mixing, a new lime circuit and several process control enhancements to CIL and thickener circuits. A new mine plan has been developed to deliver oxide material to the mill, with substantial pre stripping work conducted over the last 6 months.
