WPG Resources : 2017-03-23 Ventilation system upgraded to allow mining into Challenger Deeps

WPG Resources Ltd (ASX: WPG) is pleased to advise that the primary ventilation upgrade works at Challenger were completed yesterday with the primary fan bank at the ventilation shaft collar fully installed and running.

Figure 1: primary fan bank at the ventilation shaft collar fully installed and running

The initial vent survey demonstrated the fans are performing better than design. Further work is being undertaken today to finish the portal fan installation as well as some minor changes underground which will complete the upgrade project.

Once these ventilation modification are completed, drilling will commence on the M1 and M2 lodes, below the 215 shear. This drilling will also target Challenger West which has never previously been drilled below the 215 shear. Results from this systematic drilling program, to commence in April 2017, will be used to plan initial mining in the "Challenger Deeps".

ASX Announcement - 23 March 2017

Executive Chairman Bob Duffin said "We are very pleased with the successful installation of the ventilation fan, on time and on budget, and will now advance our plans to mine Challenger below the shear."

Mining of the main Challenger deposit and now Challenger Deeps will occur in parallel with the progression of other near mine exploration opportunities that can be accessed from existing underground development including Challenger West, Challenger South South West (CSSW), Aminus, Enterprise, Challenger NW and M3/SEZ and Challenger North West.

Near mine exploration drilling will target M3 and CSSW, with the goal of increasing the Challenger resource for 2017.

For further information please contact WPG's Executive Chairman, Bob Duffin or CEO Wayne Rossiter on (02) 9251 1044.

This document may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements concerning WPG's planned activities, including but not limited to mining and exploration programs, and other statements that are not historical facts. When used in this document, the words such as "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "should" and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. In addition, summaries of Exploration Results and estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves could also be forward looking statements. Although WPG believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements.