Why are the shallow gold deposits at 727 being mined now when...

Why are the shallow gold deposits at 727 being mined now when the price of gold has dropped. I remember posters on this thread suggesting that the near surface gold be mined to generate some working capital, years ago. The price of gold was much higher then and obviously would have generated a higher income. It seems plenty of drilling has been done at a price. Why didn't they start mining years ago?
Dogson.
"the only thing certain in shares is that nothing is for certain."