Cyanide bottle roll tests have been undertaken on 33 composite samples from both resources at Quest 29 to examine lateral and vertical variability within the resources. These tests have allowed characterization of two main ore types viz. There may also be a transitional zone in the Zamu Dolerite zone. Lower recoveries occur in the Zamu Dolerite sulphide zone in particular. Further development metallurgical testwork is currently underway to resolve the issues.
All necessary permits are in place.
Quest 29, as a new operational site, will establish controls within the draft guidelines outlined in the pre-feasibility study report and this notice of intent. Licenses were in place for controlled release of acid water from the Toms Gully open pit into the Mt Bundey creek, during high creek flow events in the 1998 'wet season'. Controlled release in past 'wet seasons' has been shown to be effective. Careful independent monitoring of these releases has shown no damaging environmental effects from water toxicity. Following the completion of the 1998 'wet season', storage of residual water will be in evaporation ponds.