The mine's Stage 1 waste pre-stripping began last November, with high-grade mineralisation identified just a metre below surface. As a result, the company said it would underpin the pit expansion and studies on the resumption of underground mining.

"Studies are underway to determine the extent to which clay caused drilling results around [the mine] to underestimate the extent of the mineralisation," Kingrose said, adding that previous examinations recorded an orebody starting at 20m below surface. "This work could have significant positive implications for resource modelling and mine planning."

Talang Santo has a projected 22-month initial mine life. Its output will be processed at the Way Linggo facility alongside that of the Way Linggo open pit.