Bellevue Gold appoints mining contractor for early-stage development work at namesake project

Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX:BGL) has taken a key step in its project development strategy with the appointment of GBF Mining and Industrial Services to complete stage 1 at its namesake gold project in WA. GBF, part of the Macmahon group of companies, will re-establish the existing decline for mechanised use at Bellevue, which will also enable it to construct underground drilling platforms. These will accelerate the infill drilling program and reduce costs associated with drilling the resource. High Reach Drill in Paris Pit installing ground support for the new portal to be established As part of its contract, GBF/Macmahon is to establish the portal and decline to the take-off point to the high-grade Viago and Deacon lodes, as well as drill platforms and to install required underground infrastructure, and power. Bellevue will also build non-processing infrastructure including a camp, road upgrades, power, and communication upgrades as part of early works programs. Ground support being anchored above the portal in preparation for securing to the Paris Pit wall face above and around the new portal Bellevue Managing Director Steve Parsons said the decision to begin early works at Bellevue was part of the company’s strategy to push ahead with the development of the project in parallel with the exploration and resource growth programs. It is worth noting that the project already has a 2.3-million-ounce resource at 10 g/t gold. Surface magazines being installed in preparation for underground re-entry works Parsons added: “We are advancing early-stage development work such as preliminary surface infrastructure and the decline in parallel with mining studies and exploration because that will maximise our ability to create value for shareholders as quickly as possible. “Our strategy is aimed at capitalising on the strong gold price by starting production as soon as commercially and technically possible while at the same time, continuing to grow and upgrade the Resource. “We believe that combination will deliver the most upside for Bellevue shareholders in the shortest time.” The GBF/Macmahon contract follows Bellevue’s recent $100 million equity raising and associated $35 million share purchase plan.