The first production blast in the area was undertaken on Monday, November 26.

KCGM general manager Cecile Thaxter said the start of mining at Morrison was a big step forward for the operation, considering the challenges that the open-pit operations have faced since the West Wall failure back in March 2017, which destroyed a major access ramp at the Fimiston pit.

"Our people worked collaboratively and tirelessly to redesign the pit and allowed for mining to commence at Morrison despite the loss of Y Ramp due to the May 2018 rock falls on the East Wall," she said.

"Although this starter pit is smaller than the originally contemplated Morrison and Brownhill laybacks, it does provide flexibility with an additional mining area, while we continue to progress remediation plans."

KCGM is the management company behind the Kalgoorlie operations for joint venture owners Barrick Australia Pacific and Newmont Australia.