Hemi Gold Project
The Hemi Gold Project is located in the Pilbara region of WA. Once operational, it is forecast to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold per annum, making it one of Australia's top five gold mines.
July 2024
Resources
Pilbara region, Western Australia
The Hemi Gold Project is located in the Pilbara region of WA. Once operational, it is forecast to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold per annum, making it one of Australia's top five gold mines. The Project holds substantial expansion potential beyond its initial 12-year mine life, including the likely development of regional deposits and future underground operations.
About De Grey Mining
The Hemi Gold Project is 100% owned by De Grey Mining Limited, a Western Australian gold explorer and project developer. The Company is listed on the ASX in 2002 as a multi-commodity explorer and has had a presence in the WA Pilbara region since inception.
Project overview
The Hemi discovery is an intrusion-hosted form of gold mineralisation which has not been previously encountered in this region of the Pilbara. The high value of the discovery is driven by its size, grade continuity, closeness to surface and growth potential.
The mining method for the Hemi Gold Project will be conventional open cut using excavators and haul trucks. To maximise efficiency De Grey is looking to implement autonomous mining systems where possible. The mineralisation is semi-refractory hence the processing plant includes a pressure oxidation circuit to improve gold recoveries.
Hemi is forecast to produce approximately 514,000 oz of gold per annum for the first 10 years of production followed by two years of lower production processing low grade stockpiles. Additions to gold reserves, increasing the mine life beyond 12 years are highly likely with De Grey continuing to invest in exploration drilling.
De Grey has set an aspirational goal of establishing Tier 1 production potential from Hemi by proving significant extensions to the mineralisation at depth, along strike and at nearby deposit.
How we helped
The Hemi Gold Project has the potential to diversify and enhance the resilience of the Pilbara economy, traditionally dominated by iron ore mining. De Grey is focussed on employing locals and creating training pathways for students. The project maximises local business participation through a business register and engagement with the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce. De Grey has also committed to a $15 million Community Contribution Deed with the town of Port Hedland to fund infrastructure projects, such as the 'Key Worker Housing' initiative.
De Grey’s Social Investment Strategy focuses on education, health, and the environment, with significant financial commitments to community events and organisations. Additionally, De Grey supports local education through mentoring programs and donations to schools, contributing to the development of a skilled local workforce.
Indigenous Engagement
- Kariyarra
The Kariyarra people live in and around the town of Port Hedland in the Pilbara region, in the north-west of Western Australia, encompassing country from Port Hedland west to the Sherlock River and south to the Yule River.
De Grey has developed an Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) with input from the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation (KAC).
- Developing procurement policies and strategies in collaboration with KAC, supporting local Kariyarra businesses and other local Traditional Owner owned businesses through the Project.
- Collaborate with local service providers to deliver training and diversionary programs aimed at local Indigenous youth to help build social skills, achieve educational milestones and support development pathways.
- Implement the Kariyarra Ranger Program.
- Oversee the Native Title Agreement with the Kariyarra.
- Establish a cultural competency program that includes on-country training courses delivered to De Grey’s senior management, Board, contracting partners and relevant parties.
- Develop and deliver work ready programs targeting the local Hedland Indigenous community.
- Create and deliver in collaboration with KAC, a Social Impact Management Plan to support cultural, social, environmental and economic outcomes through the Project.
- Implementing the IES will be overseen by the De Grey and Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation Implementation Committee.
In conjunction with KAC and relevant stakeholders, De Grey will regularly review the IES to update or revise if appropriate.
