Kingsgate Consolidated Limited announced that mining operations have started in the A Pit West at the Chatree Gold Mine ("Chatree"). Initial works are focussing on mining approximately 200,000 tonnes of broken waste rock and ore that remained when Chatree was closed at the end of 2016. There are approximately 40,000 tonnes of ore that can be mined without blasting.

Kingsgate is also pleased to advise that the first of five new Epiroc T45 drill rigs has arrived at Chatree, with the four remaining rigs expected to arrive shortly (See ASX:KCN release titled "Mining Operations and New Near-Surface Grade Control Drilling Update", dated 18 September 2023). Operator training for the drill rigs has initially commenced on a simulator and will be completed on the rigs themselves to ensure the drilling teams can hit the ground running and maintain continuity with the ongoing grade control drilling program. Pleasingly, the first shipment of explosives has now arrived in preparation for blasting, and works have also commenced on the first of a series of blast holes that will be ready to charge in November.

Kingsgate continues to work closely with its mining contractor LotusHall Mining, to ensure the right mix of mining equipment is available as the mining schedule ramps up in the coming months, with the first new Caterpillar 395 excavator and five new Caterpillar 777 dump trucks arriving in mid-November.