Asiamet Resources (ARS) has commenced limestone resource drilling at the Rinjen prospect, approximately 12km north of its flagship BKM Copper heap leach project in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Securing a local limestone source for use in BKM's process plant neutralisation circuit is a key enabler of the project's low operating cost base, eliminating the need to import lime from elsewhere in Indonesia at significantly higher cost.
The limestone resource drilling programme is being executed by the Kalimantan Surya Kencana (KSK) operations team, which has previously completed significant drill campaigns in the area.
The first phase comprises between approximately 600 metres and 700 metres of drilling in one location. A second location is currently being assessed as part of a planned second phase aimed at defining additional limestone resource.
"It is pleasing to recommence on-ground activity in support of the BKM project, with the limestone resource definition programme a key step in delivering a low-cost operation,” said Darryn McClelland, Asiamet’s chief executive.
“Our KSK operational team has done an excellent job establishing the improved access road, temporary support facilities, access paths and drill pads to support the drilling programme. The first drill hole testing for undercover extensions to a substantial limestone outcrop is now complete, having intersected good thicknesses of limestone as predicted. Given the very significant operating cost benefit of sourcing limestone locally within the company's KSK Contract of Work, verifying the extensive surface assessment work completed over the last 12 months is particularly satisfying.”
View from Vox
Executing this programme and the recent appointment of the BKM project director represent important milestones for Asiamet as it advances financing of the BKM project. Watch out for further updates as the rest of the pieces begin to all into place.