TVI Pacific has reported that its work at the Balabag gold and silver project in Samboanga del Sur, Philippines continues, though it has met a delay with the delivery of some equipment.

In a construction update confirmed just before the start of 2021, the Canadian-based mining operator said the plant commissioning and mine facilities construction at Balabag is well underway.

Specifically, commissioning of the plant’s front-end circuits continues; it has included low-grade ore being fed into crushing for debugging of the mill. The testing of the crushing area, grinding and flotation circuits, the power plant and water supply are complete.  

Still to come: the finishing details of construction and commissioning of the facility’s concentrate leach circuit. Work for the carbon in leach (CIL) area and detox plant facility are also ongoing.

TVI, which holds a 30.66% interest in the project, said the delivery of the elution heater/heat exchanger, requisite equipment for the gold room, and completion of the first stage of the tailings storage facility remain “critical paths” to bringing Balabag to life.

Additionally, the progress of the TSF was impacted by above-average rainfall. 

“We commend the team in having reached the commissioning stage of the plant and facilities. The success that has been realized thus far through that process represents a major achievement in the development of Balabag when considering also the additional challenges placed upon the site team including the supply chain logistics of equipment and supplies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus is now turning fully to completion of the TSF as a critical path item,” said Chairman and CEO Cliff James.

Asia-Pacific-focused TVI Pacific also holds a 14.4% equity interest in Mindoro Resources and a 100% investment in shares of TG World. 

Source: tvipacific.com