Officials said the open-pit component of the complex that it developed this year, along with the underground portion that it largely developed in 2015 and then prepped for production this year are both now working in conjunction with the New Jersey Mill, where all ore is being shipped for processing.

NJMC chief executive officer John Swallow said that the mill is running smoothly and with adequate capacity to handle both mines’ production along with a substantial increase in ore processing and gold production – particularly positive considering that its exploration efforts have revealed the potential for growth.

“With the success we’ve had developing and expanding the open pit, we’ve purposely taken a measured approach restarting the underground mine and will continue to do so through the planned ramp-up period,” he added.

“With the property paid off, the mill in operation, distribution channels for our concentrate in place, and the benefit of more than US$13 million invested in the Golden Chest project, our team believes we have an outstanding platform for future exploration and resource development – not only at the Golden Chest but throughout the Murray Gold Belt.”

In addition to Golden Chest, NJMC also holds a 50% interest in the fully-permitted Butte Highlands gold project.