At Rosia Montana, the Romanian State partner in RMGC, Minvest, ceased underground operations in 1985, but continued open pit mining operations until 2006, leaving an obvious effect on the mountain landscape.
Gabriel plans to re-establish mining in Rosia Montana and develop an open pit mining operation that will produce approximately 500,000 ounces of gold per annum over a 16 year mine life.
The proposed mine and mill site are located within steep hilly/mountainous terrain at an elevation of approximately 850 metres above sea level. The proposed tailings management area is located in the immediately adjacent valley to the mine/mill complex at approximately 600 metres above sea level.
An illustrative diagram of the current landscape
An illustrative diagram of the landscape during proposed operations
Mining Process
Gabriel plans to use conventional processes and Best Available Techniques to extract the gold and silver from the ore in the four proposed pits at Rosia Montana.
Click here to see an illustration of the intended process at Rosia Montana.
Timeline
It is management's belief that once the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Project is recommended and the Environmental Permit is approved and issued by the Romanian Government, in the absence of any other extraordinary events, it would take approximately one year to:
- Complete the majority of outstanding surface rights acquisitions;
- Receive the majority of other permits and approvals, including initial construction permits; and
- Produced to fully finance construction of a mine at Rosia Montana.
Once construction of the mine begins, it is expected to take approximatly 30 months to complete. Ultimately, the Romanian Government determines the timing of issuance of the Environmental Permit and all other permits and approvals required for the Project, subject to the Romanian courts dealing with litigation from N60s and any other parties in a timely manner. In the absence of further unforeseen delays, the Project is expected to pour first gold in 2015.
The Company's key objectives in the short term include:
- Completing the revised estimate of capital and operating costs of developing the Project, such that a new NI 43-101 technical report can be issued;
- Continuing with public relations efforts across all media to increase Romanian public and Government education and support for the Project;
- Obtaining approval of the EP and all other required permits that allow construction activities to commence; and
- Continuing to maximize shareholder value, while optimizing the Project benefits to those in the community and the surrounding area.