PRESS RELEASE: The collaboration follows the implementation of Minnovare's drill and blast ‘Production Optimiser' technology at Northern Star's operations.

For the past two months the technology has been installed on selected long-hole rigs at the company's underground operations - improving rig accuracy and setup with an immediate benefit to operations.

Since implementation, drilled metres have increased by 17% and blasthole deviation at the collar reduced by 75%. Flow-on benefits have included an increase in average recovery due to reduced bridging and a reduction in average dilution - reducing overall cost of production.

"In a very short period of time we have seen tangible benefits from the Production Optimiser system. The system has been well received by all operators, and Minnovare have worked with us to ensure a successful implementation," said Rob Parsons, general manager of Northern Star Mining Services.

Minnovare managing director Callum McCracken said: "We're delighted to be entering into this technology collaboration. Northern Star wwere an early adopter of our production drilling technology, and we're pleased to see the immediate effect it's having, with efficiency gains right across their operations.

"We feel Minnovare and Northern Star's values align very well. From our point of view, we feel that when miners and technology innovators work closely together, that's the most efficient way to make the biggest impact, in the shortest time-frame. Certainly, in the case of the Production Optimiser, once Northern Star were convinced of the benefits of the system they wasted no time in implementing it across their operations. It was impressive to see them ‘think big and act fast'."

Northern Star Resources' principal - innovation and technology, Jeff Brown, added: "Northern Star has a collaborative approach to innovation. We are always looking to work with parties that provide solutions to problems and to implement opportunities that drive a better overall business outcome.

"The collaboration lays a platform not just for further implementations. Northern Star will be actively involved in the development of a series of new Minnovare products that will deliver additional efficiencies to our underground mining operations. Collaborating with solution providers like Minnovare and the technology they specialise in represents the future of the industry, so we're very pleased to be working with them."