Kingsgate's Chatree Plant 1 Back at 2.3mtpa Nameplate

Kingsgate Consolidated Limited (ASX:KCN) has provided an update on remediation works at Plant 1 at the Chatree Gold Mine, saying Plant 1 has returned to its nameplate capacity of 2.3 million tonnes a year following the successful restoration and restart of Ball Mill 1. Kingsgate said Chatree maintained an annualised throughput rate of 4.3 million tonnes a year, which it states is 87 per cent of combined nameplate capacity, during the 47-day shutdown of Ball Mill 1. The works undertaken included removal of the trunnion bearings, a complete overhaul of the trunnion hydraulic lubrication units, refurbishment and linishing of the trunnion journals, and full replacement of both trunnion bearings. Ball Mill 1 has also been run at full capacity for seven days as part of non-destructive testing, including testing for possible expansion or changes to remaining thermo-mechanical cracks on the journal surface; the company said no changes have been identified and the operating team continues to monitor the situation.

To minimise the risk of any future disruptions, Kingsgate said a new discharge end mill head has been ordered, including fasteners and guards, with a lead time of approximately 34 weeks and arrival anticipated in the fourth quarter of FY2027. Installation will require a temporary shutdown of Ball Mill 1, which the company intends to incorporate into the regular maintenance shutdown schedule for Plant 1, with the duration and any potential impact on throughput remaining subject to final planning. Kingsgate said it is assessing the impact of reduced Plant 1 throughput and expects to update the market on FY27 guidance by the end of September. Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Jamie Gibson said the immediate workaround and subsequent resumption of full nameplate processing capacity within 47 days of a major ball mill incident is a testament to the operating team's work, and described it as an important milestone as the company returns to full production rates.