Focus, Integra step closer to mining

Two Perth-based companies are a step closer to mining their gold projects in the Goldfields after receiving necessary government approvals from the state government.

Focus Minerals today said it has now secured all mining permits and environmental approval to mine the 350,000 ounce The Mount gold deposit in the Goldfields.

Development of the decline into The Mount is underway and will lift the company's annual gold production from 41,000 ounces in fiscal 2009 to 80,000oz this financial year.

Focus is targeting a production rate of 100,000 from 2011 onwards as it starts mining surrounding deposits.

Ore from The Mount deposit will be processed at the recently refurbished Three Mile Hill plant.

Meantime, Integra Mining said it is on the cusp of developing its $64 million Randalls gold project after it finalised a native title deal and secured a mining lease over the project's Salt Creek deposit and the proposed site for the processing facility.

The native title agreement was with the Central East Goldfields People.

The company is aiming to start production in 2010.