ENDEAVOUR Mining has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the first gold pour at its Sabodala-Massawa BIOX Expansion project in Senegal, marking a transformative step in solidifying the Sabodala-Massawa Complex as a premier mining operation.
‘After two years of construction, we are pleased to announce the successful achievement of our first gold pour,’ remarked Endeavour Mining CEO Ian Cockerill, highlighting the culmination of over 3.5 million man-hours worked without any lost time injuries.
The company’s commitment to safety and operational excellence underscores its dedication to delivering on schedule and on budget, as demonstrated by the completion of four capital projects within the past decade, all achieved within two years or less.
The achievement of the first gold pour follows the wet commissioning process initiated on 27 February this year, during which nearly 50,000 metric tons of ore were processed. Notably, the performance of the processing plant has met expectations, ensuring a smooth operational commencement.
The inaugural gold pour from the gravity circuit occurred on April 18, 2024, yielding about 112 ounces of gold, while the BIOX circuit’s first pour on April 28 produced nearly 612 ounces.
Endeavour Mining anticipates the BIOX Expansion to attain commercial production by the end of Q2 2024, with the project slated to ramp up to its full capacity of 1.2 million metric tons per annum in Q3 2024.
With the BIOX Expansion proceeding as scheduled, Endeavour Mining remains on track to meet its annual production guidance of 1,130–1,270 thousand ounces, maintaining a competitive industry-leading cost range of $955–1,035 per ounce.
‘We are proud of our team’s dedication and the efficiency demonstrated in delivering this project within the expected timeframe,’ Cockerill affirmed. ‘This achievement reinforces our competitive advantage in West Africa and underscores our commitment to sustainable mining practices.’
