Mining Studies

Garden Well Underground Study

Commodities

Gold

Client

Regis Resources

Location

Laverton, Western Australia

Work Conducted

Scoping Study

UNDERGROUND OPTIONS AT GARDEN WELL

Mining Plus was engaged by Regis Resources to conduct a scoping-level study for the Garden Well underground resource. The study aimed to evaluate multiple mining method options, identify the most suitable approach, and establish a foundation for future prefeasibility studies, ensuring an economically robust and technically feasible mining solution.

CHALLENGES

The Garden Well resource presented challenges in determining the optimal mining method to maximize operational efficiency and economic viability. Three options—long-hole open stoping (LHOS) with variations in backfill type (cemented aggregate fill (CAF), waste rock fill (WRF), and paste backfill) and sublevel spacing (20m or 25m)—required evaluation. The challenge lay in balancing cash flow robustness under variable gold price scenarios, minimising operational complexity, and ensuring adaptability for further refinement of designs and costs in subsequent studies.

SOLUTIONS

Mining Plus evaluated three LHOS mining scenarios with varying backfill methods and sublevel spacings, analysing their economic and technical viability. A detailed assessment was conducted for each option to determine the feasibility of production, cash flow resilience under a 20% gold price reduction, and operational considerations. The study concluded that LHOS with a 25m sublevel spacing, in a primary-secondary stope sequence, was the most favourable method. Both CAF and paste backfill were identified as viable backfill options, requiring further refinement to optimise costs and operational flexibility.

OUTCOMES

The study confirmed the feasibility of underground mining at Garden Well, with all three scenarios demonstrating strong economics and positive cash flow potential. The preferred method, LHOS with 25m sublevel spacing and either CAF or paste backfill, was recommended for progression to a prefeasibility study. The results provided Regis Resources with clarity on next steps, supporting a strategic approach to developing Garden Well into a viable underground operation while maintaining resilience against market fluctuations.