Oropa accelerates N. Sumatra gold project PFS activities

Australian metal exploration firm Oropa Limited announced on Wednesday that it has engaged consultants to progress the current phase of pre-feasibility work on the Sihayo - Sambung gold project at the Pungkut Contract of Work in North Sumatra.

The company appointed Golder Associates Pty Ltd as consultant for Geological Resource Modeling and Geotechnical Work and Ozmet Metallurgical Consultants as Metallurgical Work consultant.

Golder will assist with the advancement of resources in terms of JORC compliancy and associated geotechnical planning and design at the project. Golder also has an office in Jakarta which will facilitate the development of certain activities involved in its assignment.

Ozmet has been involved in assisting with metallurgical and engineering design of numerous gold and other metals projects worldwide, including associated work leading to the development of final feasibility studies and design.

In addition to the above-mentioned consultants Oropa is currently in discussion with consulting groups regarding environmental survey works for the project.

Meanwhile, the company also reported that it intended to ramp up the drilling program in coming months, increasing the number of drill rigs onsite to accelerate pre-feasibility work, including the infill drilling required to bring about an upgrade in resource category from Inferred to Indicated Resource status, as per JORC guidelines.

The company is also likely to proceed with a scoping study considering the potential for incorporation of hydro electric power generation at the project. If feasible hydro electric power would substantially reduce operating costs, it said.

The company has outlined a mineral inventory of in excess of 1 million ounces of gold at Pungkut. Oropa has 75 percent stake in Pungkut gold project, with IDX-listed state owned miner PT.Aneka Tambang holding the balance.(alex)