During the first quarter FY2024, 2x 50 tonnes excavators were utilised, until a larger Hitachi 1900 excavator arriving in October 2023 was commissioned. The excavator weighs 190 tonnes and has a 11m3 bucket significantly enhancing the efficiency of the Open Pit mining operations from the second quarter. Alongside this, the technical service team updated the production schedule to accommodate the repositioned pit ramp, optimising ore recovery for the Stage I Open Pit. In a move to boost haulage capacity, three CAT 745 Moxy dump trucks were replaced with a fleet of CAT 775F trucks throughout November 2023. Additionally, an extra CAT D10 Dozer was deployed to assist with auxiliary tasks and material management, further streamlining the mining operations. Commissioning was completed across several key areas to enhance the mining operations. This included optimising blast designs with ideal pattern spacing, bench heights, powder factors, and adherence to established noise and vibration limits. The Company focussed on selecting the most suitable equipment for mining ore and waste, as outlined in the BFS, which recommended smaller units for ore mining and larger ones for stripping operations. Other significant areas of focus included optimising cycle times, designing the ROM ore pad, assessing pit wall slopes to ensure the stability of the South Wall Fault during cutbacks, and training staff on new equipment usage. Additionally, comprehensive water management plans and clarified roles and responsibilities between Goldings, and EQR staff to streamline operations and enhance safety and efficiency were implemented. Cyclone Jasper The site was hit by Tropical Cyclone Jasper midDecember 2023 with the operations losing 20 production shifts as floods cut roads and power, disrupting the entire region’s logistics, fuel deliveries and concentrate pick-ups. Tropical Cyclone Jasper significantly affected operations at the Mt Carbine Site mid-December 2023 with damaging winds, floods, power outages, disrupted logistics, causing 10 days of downtime. Operating and Financial Review continued 28 EQ Resources Limited Annual Report 2024
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