Mining has started at Allegiance Mining"s Avebury nickel project near Zeehan in Tasmania , Australia . Mining contractor Barminco has mine development and the North Avebury development drive has produced development ore from the main North Avebury orebody.

This large orebody is some 40 metres thick at this point and ground conditions are described as good for mining. The development ore is being stockpiled in readiness for the mill commissioning in the second half of 2007.

Bulk earthworks for the process plant site are complete and the construction manager for the plant construction engineers, Metplant Engineering Services, has moved to site.

Grid electrical power is reticulated throughout the mine and the underground pump station is fully operational. The main ventilation fan has been secured and is being installed over the Viking ventilation shaft. The smaller services shaft is now equipped and fully functional. The tailings dam is well advanced and is ahead of the critical path schedule at this time. www.allegiance-mining.com.au

News sourced from International Mining Project News - www.im-mining.com