UK-based gold miner Hummingbird Resources has begun construction on the Kouroussa Gold Mine in Guinea after it made way for equipment, a mining camp and a processing plant.

The company said it is also finalising long lead item purchases, including a SAG mill, jaw crusher, ore feeders, agitators, interstage screens, tower crane and a cyclone cluster.

Additionally, it is receiving construction equipment, tooling, machinery and consumables on site. Process plant civil works are scheduled to begin in February once ground clearing works are completed, the company explained.

Dan Betts, chief executive officer of Hummingbird Resources, described the beginning of construction as a "significant step" towards the company's strategic goal of becoming "a multi-jurisdictional gold producer.

Noris Del Bel Belluz, group technical services manager of Hummingbird Resources, said the company is receiving "high-grade infill drilling results" for the mine's key Koekoe deposit. It is currently assessing grade and geological data as part of the future mine plans.

According to Hummingbird Resources, the deposit has a current maiden reserve of 408,900 ounces. 

Shares in Hummingbird fell 6% on Monday morning following news of sanctions on Mali, where the company operates the Yanfolila gold mine, noted Mining Journal. The company is capitalised at £53.3 million.