- 01MDCP and DWER approvals lodged for Radio restart.
- 02120k tpa gravity-CIP plant and tailings raise planned.
- 03Resource: 366,000t @4.2 g/t for ~49.6k oz; FID planned.
WIN Metals (ASX: WIN) has lodged two key permit applications for the proposed restart of its Radio gold project in Western Australia, advancing regulatory work for a return to open pit and underground mining.
The Mine Development and Closure Plan (MDCP) was lodged with the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration on 11 September, while a Works Approval application was submitted to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) on 18 September.
The Works Approval seeks permission to construct a new 120,000-tonnes-per-annum gravity and carbon-in-pulp (CIP) processing plant and raise the existing tailings dam embankment to support future storage.
Radio has a Mineral Resource of 366,000t at 4.2 grams per tonne gold for 49,600 ounces, with the mine dewatered and underground access and other infrastructure remaining in place.
WIN plans to progress funding requirements and a final investment decision while also pursuing mine-life extensions through drilling and potential regional resource additions.
Restart Infrastructure Permitting
The MDCP sets out the project description, environmental setting, potential impacts, management measures, rehabilitation requirements, and proposed mine closure obligations for the planned redevelopment.
The MDCP incorporates background studies, design work, risk assessment, and environmental management planning intended to support recommencement of mining at Radio.
The DWER application covers construction of the processing plant and an embankment raise at the existing tailings facility under Category 5 approval for beneficiation of metallic or non-metallic ore, while wholly owned subsidiary Yilgarn Precious Metals holds an environmental licence covering mine dewatering and a Class II putrescible landfill site.
“The lodgement of these key permit applications represents another solid step forward in our restart schedule for Radio,” chief executive officer Steve Norregaard said.
“Now with a clear roadmap to redevelopment mapped out we can turn our minds to funding requirements leading to a final investment decision, and building the project bona fides through mine life extensions and addition of other resources in the region.”
Eastern Goldfields Location
The Radio project lies about 8 kilometres north of Bullfinch and 38km north-west of Southern Cross in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields, with access via Mt Jackson Road.
Historical mining began in 1918 and produced about 71,000oz at an average head grade of 38g/t gold through to 1974, while underground operations were re-established in 2018 using the existing shaft before development of a new surface portal and 330 metres of decline.
A shallow open pit to 25m depth was also completed, although WIN reports that most near-surface mineralisation remains unmined and could support future open pit production alongside underground targets.
The proposed restart would combine open pit and underground mining with on-site processing through the planned gravity and CIP circuit, with tailings directed to the existing dam after an increase in capacity to accommodate 450,000t of new material.
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