Mine Details
Challenger
http://www.dml.com.au
goldCamp, FiFo
Phone:
Address:
P.O. Box, Torrensville, SA, 5031
State: P.O. Box, Torrensville, SA, 5031
Email:
The Challenger Gold Mine in South Australia has come about after gold was discovered there by Dominion Mining Limited in 1995. However, nothing was done about developing the project as the company was more focused on other projects it was working on at the time, with its then partner, Resolute Ltd.
Seven Year Wait to Start Mining Operations At the Challenger Mine
Work first began on developing the Challenger mine in 2002 when an open cut pit was established. The open cut was converted to underground mining in 2005. In 2005 it produced 43,547 troy ounces of gold and a year later, 2006, it produced 108,080 ounces of gold. 250 people are now employed at the Challenger mine. All are housed in camp village accommodation when working their roster at the site after being flown in to work their shift and flown out again at the finish.
Kingsgate and Leighton Contracting Have Built One of the Most Productive Gold Mines in Australia
Kingsgate Consolidated Limited currently own the Challenger gold mine that is operated for them by Leighton Contractors who provide all its mining needs using traditional uphole stoping methods of mining. It is regarded as one of the most productive gold mines currently operating in Australia.
Mining contractor, Leightons, utilise mechanised development underground for stoping using a longhole drill and blasting methods. They also bog using tele remote technology, conduct the haulage and carry out all maintenance requirements. To do this successfully they have a complete range of equipment and plant at their disposal. The mine operates continuously, 24 hours a day over the whole 365 days of the year.
It all Started With a two Year Life Span
When the challenger mine first started, in 2002, it was given a life span of two years. Nine years later, in 2011 it poured its 24th tonne of the precious metal. An amazing achievement considering its isolation in the distant South Australian outback. At the present time it has the following proud achievement record:
24,000 metres of diamond drilling each year
200,000 metres of production drilling annually
7,000 metres of horizontal development every 12 months and
600,000 tonnes of gold bearing ore mined annually
The Challenger Gold mine has a short but proud history to look back on already, particularly when you take into account the long hesitation shown by its original owners into developing it in the first place. Past achievements include:
The initial open pit which started in 2004 was developed to a depth of 125 metres below the surface
Underground development started in 2004 requiring the construction of surface facilities and a decline. It was in full production half way through 2005.
By June 2009 the M1 decline was down to 500 level which is 700 metres below the surface. Stoping was completed to the 600 level, 600 metres below the surface.
Recent exploration has shown that the four lodes presently being mined continue to considerable depths. The Challenger gold mine in the distant, hot, dry, inhospitable outback of South Australia shows what can be achieved with faith, determination and persistence.
