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20 Independence Group NL
OPERATIONAL READINESS
During the latter part of FY16, emphasis
was placed on developing operational
readiness plans, with the ultimate goal
of achieving a smooth transition from
construction into operations. Plans are
progressing well, with the recruitment
of the senior operational management
team now complete.
Priority has also been placed on the
development and education of safe
systems of work and management
systems.
Training and recruitment of the
operational workforce commenced
mid-year and is planned for completion
to coincide with the commissioning of
the concentrator in the December 2016
quarter.
Underground development has
proceeded as planned, with the focus
on capital development to advance
the infrastructure required to achieve
sustainable production. For FY16, 5.5km
of underground development was
achieved.
The contract for the underground works
was awarded to Barminco Holdings
Limited and their performance to date
has enabled mine development to
remain ahead of the Feasibility Study
plan. Delivery of first ore to the surface
was announced in late June 2016 and
work has continued on the development
of the decline, stope access and
infrastructure for ventilation dewatering
and other service.