Lero-Karta Underground Mine

First Underground Gold Mine in Guinea

In 2023, Nordgold plans to commence an underground gold mine development at its operating Lefa mine in Guinea.

We are committed to constructing a best-in-class underground mine; Lero-Karta, utilising our strong track record of operational, financial and ESG delivery in West Africa, as well as our underground technical and operations skills-pool.

The Lero-Karta underground mine will be developed and operated in an environmentally responsible manner with deep commitment to Community engagement, sustainability and efficiency.

Currently Nordgold is conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of Lero-Karta underground mine to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the project development and any negative impacts are minimised and mitigated.

We plan to produce first gold from Lero-Karta underground mine in 2024, with an estimated Life of Mine (LOM) over 8 years. The underground mine will be developed with well-established methods: Cemented Rockfill (CRF), and Unconsolidated Rockfill (URF) Sub-level Stoping. The Lero-Karta underground mine will be developed within the same open pit, utilizing the existing gold processing infrastructure of Lefa mine site.

The Lero-Karta underground mine adds 7.6Mt of ore to the Lefa mine ore reserves. The orebody is open at depth, suggesting high potential for increasing mineral resources as the underground mine is developed.

The best industry practices, including an automated dispatch control system, and asset management system, will be implemented at the Lero-Karta underground mine.

Implementation of the Lero-Karta underground project will further develop the Guinean workforce to acquire knowledge and skills in underground mining.

In 2022-2023, Nordgold intends to train up to 300 people in new professions using the theoretical framework of the Company’s Mining Academy, and training simulators to consolidate practical skills.

Nordgold will also invest in development of the Social and Welfare infrastructure. A new camp for employees engaged on a rotational basis will be constructed at the mine for 200 people.

Please see our recent video on the Lero-Karta Underground Mine

Contacts

Corporate Communications
Procurement Department