Northern Star holds a 51% stake in the East Kundana gold mine. Credit: James St. John.

Northern Star Resources-owned EKJV Management has announced the suspension of mining activity at the Raleigh underground gold mine in Western Australia, following a significant seismic event.

Located in the Eastern Goldfields, the East Kundana joint venture (EKJV) project comprises three producing underground deposits, namely Raleigh, Rubicon and Hornet. Ore from the mine is treated at Northern Star’s Kanowna Belle processing facility.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Owning a 12.25% stake in the EKJV, Rand Mining said that the decision was reached due to the firing of stoping panels in the southern mining area of the mine last month.

The seismic response happened near the 6,000 to 5,949 levels of the Raleigh underground mine, with each of these levels sustaining substantial damage.

Northern Star holds a 51% stake in the EKJV while Rand Mining and Tribune Resources jointly own 49%.

In a press statement, Northern Star said: “EKJV Management has proposed a revised mining plan that would see underground mining suspended at Raleigh in April 2020.

“The life-of-mine plan previously presented to the company in October 2019 saw Raleigh production continuing to 2026 to exploit the ore reserves reported by Northern Star in August 2019.”

A detailed assessment to restart mining at Raleigh will be conducted while the operation is under care and maintenance until April.

Meanwhile, Northern Star noted that underground mining at its other deposits within EKJV are not affected by the Raleigh underground mine shutdown.

In November 2018, Northern Star Resources made binding proposals to acquire a 49% stake in the EKJV underground gold mining project.