Gold production at the Houndé mine in Burkina Faso increased from 72,065 ounces (2.25 tonnes) in the second trimester 2023 to 109,381 ounces (3.40 tonnes) in the third trimester2023. This record production is due to the higher grades extracted and processed, which were partially offset by lower recovery rates. This information comes from a press release that Endeavour Mining, which operates the Houndé Gold mine, issued on 9 November 2023 in London.
The same press release states that “production costs decreased from 1,085 $/oz in the second trimester 2023 to 787 $/oz in the third trimester2023, mainly due to higher grades processed and gold volumes sold during the trimester. This decrease was partially offset by higher unit mining costs due to lower total tonnes mined and higher maintenance costs for heavy mining equipment during the trimester”.
In the third trimesterof 2023, the total number of tonnes mined fell due to the rainy season, which had a slight impact on mining activities in the pits.
The number of tonnes processed during the period decreased slightly due to an increased proportion of harder ore, fresh ore and transition ore from the Kari Pump and Vindaloo Main pits in the plant feed, in line with the plan for the wet season, as well as a slight reduction in plant availability due to planned maintenance work.
In terms of outlook, Houndé is now expected to reach the top end of its 2023 production guidance of 270,000 to 285,000 oz at production costs of 850$ to 925$/oz.
In the fourth trimester 2023, ore is expected to come mainly from the Kari Pump and Vindaloo Main pits. Mill throughput and processed grades are expected to decline.
Pierre Balma
#Mines_Actu_Burkina
