MMG Rosebery exploration reaches record depths

An exploration drill rig for MMG Rosebery has completed the deepest exploration hole in Tasmania's rich mining history. The hole, located on the surface of Mt Black, above the mine, was drilled by a 12-man crew from drilling contractor Boart Longyear.

The drill hole reached a depth of 2,584 metres on May 5 2010. The rig is now drilling some offshoot holes to the west. These will be completed in about a month.

Boart Longyear's drill crew was presented with an award to mark their efforts by local MP Ruth Forrest MLC in a ceremony at Rosebery today.

A deep exploration drilling program commenced at Rosebery in November 2009 with two deep surface drill holes targeting prospective areas below the lower parts of the Rosebery ore body.

"Our exploration program at Rosebery aims to extend the life of mine beyond our current horizon of around 2020," said Mr John Lamb, General Manager MMG Rosebery.

"Recent exploration has been very encouraging, adding more mineral resources, and suggesting that the prospect of identifying additional reserves is very high."

Rosebery's mineral potential was uncovered in 1893 when prospector, Thomas McDonald discovered alluvial gold along with boulders of lead/zinc sulphide in a creek on the southern slopes of Mount Black. Further prospecting by McDonald revealed a lead/zinc sulphide ore body which was mined intermittently from 1893 until the current operation was commissioned in 1936.

"We look forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the mill and current surface operations here at Rosebery early next year," said Mr Lamb.