Deccan Gold Mines , a prominent player in India's mining sector, is on the brink of a significant milestone as it prepares to launch full production at what is being hailed as India's first major private gold mine. The mine, strategically located in the mineral-rich state of Andhra Pradesh, represents a groundbreaking development in the country's gold mining industry.

Production Commencement

According to a top official from Deccan Gold Mines, the company is gearing up to commence full-scale production operations at the Andhra Pradesh site. This move marks a crucial step forward not only for the company but also for India's private sector involvement in gold mining.

Significance of the Project

The initiation of full production at this mine is particularly noteworthy for several reasons:

1. Private Sector Milestone: As India's first major private gold mine, this project signifies a shift in the country's mining landscape, potentially paving the way for increased private sector participation in the gold mining industry.

2. Boost to Domestic Gold Production: With India being one of the world's largest consumers of gold, the commencement of production at this mine could contribute to reducing the country's reliance on gold imports.

3. Economic Impact: The mine's operations are expected to have a positive economic impact on the region, potentially creating jobs and contributing to local development.

Looking Ahead

As Deccan Gold Mines prepares to transition into full production mode, industry observers will be keenly watching the mine's performance and its potential impact on India's gold mining sector. The success of this venture could set a precedent for future private investments in gold exploration and mining across the country.

While specific production targets and timelines have not been disclosed, the company's move towards full production suggests confidence in the mine's potential and readiness of operations.

Stakeholders in the mining industry and investors alike will be monitoring Deccan Gold Mines' progress as it embarks on this significant phase of its operations in Andhra Pradesh.

Deccan Gold Mines Limited has provided a comprehensive update on the progress of its Altyn Tor Gold Project in Kyrgyzstan, signaling significant advancements towards commercial production. The company aims to begin commercial operations from the gravity circuit by mid to late October 2025, marking a crucial milestone in the project's development.

Project Milestones and Progress

Processing Plant Upgrades

• Conveyor System: 11 conveyor units have been successfully commissioned, with additional units for ball mill feed and tailing feed in transit.
• Crushing Equipment: Jaw and cone crushers have completed successful trial runs.
• Ball Mill Installation: Ongoing, with completion targeted for late August to early September 2025.
• Gravity Concentrator: Equipment is on-site, with commercial production from the gravity circuit aimed for mid to late October 2025.
• Leaching System: Tanks fabricated and painted, with full erection expected by mid to late October.

Power Infrastructure

• A 2500 kVA diesel generator set has been ordered for October delivery to power the ball mill during commissioning.
• High-tension powerline installation contract awarded, targeting completion by late November to early December.

Tailings Storage Facility (TSF)

• Excavation of the new tailings dam has commenced, scheduled for completion in October 2025.
• Geomembrane lining planned for November and December, weather permitting.

Mining Operations

• Approximately 30,000 m³ of waste removed to date.
• Target of 100,000 m³ waste removal set for the next 2-3 months.

Resource Development

• Drilling programme has completed about 2,000m of the planned 2,500m.
• Multiple zones of mineralisation identified, including visible gold.

Project Outlook and Challenges

Dr. Hanuma Prasad Modali, Managing Director of Deccan Gold, expressed cautious optimism about meeting target timelines while acknowledging potential risks:

"We are pleased with progress and are cautiously optimistic of achieving our target timelines for completing the process plant, power lines, and tailings dam as per our schedule. As usual in these latitudes, early onset of winter poses the greatest risk for construction projects."

The company is implementing contingency measures to mitigate the impact of potential early winter conditions, including:

• Erecting sheds to protect critical equipment
• Monitoring shipments and aligning civil works with equipment deliveries
• Focusing on commencing Dore bar production from the gravity circuit in October
• Prioritizing the completion of high-tension power line and substation works in November

About Altyn Tor Gold Project

The Altyn Tor deposit is located in the highly mineralized Soltan Sary gold mineralization zone, part of the major Tien Shen Shear Zone. Current mineral resources are estimated at:

This estimate includes 1.4 Mt (51 koz) of tailings and low-grade stockpile material, using a 0.5 g/t Au cut-off grade.

Deccan Gold's investment in the Altyn Tor Gold Project through Avelum Partners marks the first investment by an Indian mining and exploration company in Kyrgyzstan, potentially enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

As Deccan Gold progresses towards its production goals, the company remains committed to ethical and responsible mining practices, aiming to set new standards in the industry while contributing to sustainable development in the region.