Officials said initial ore was lasted from the first stope in the West Reef ore body on September 27. It is now being mined with mechanized shrinkage using Alimak raise climbers. The mine’s Central Shaft will haul it to the surface for processing.

Prestea’s maiden gold production in the second quarter was 325oz.

Golden Star is now working to achieve commercial production for the operation in the fourth quarter at a rate of about 90,000oz/y.

Prestea’s mineral reserves total 1.09Mt at 13.93g/t and its initial mine life is 5.5 years. The operators said exploration drilling is under way as it seeks to increase the annual production rate and extending mine life.

Golden Star also owns and operates the Wassa mine in the prolific Ashanti Gold Belt in Ghana.