Kingsgate Consolidated Limited has returned Plant 1 at its Chatree Gold Mine in Thailand to its full nameplate capacity of 2.3 million tonnes per annum following the successful restoration and restart of Ball Mill 1.

The plant had been operating at a reduced rate of approximately 50% of nameplate capacity during a 47-day shutdown of Ball Mill 1 following a mechanical failure in July that involved elevated bearing temperatures, trunnion bearing damage, and journal wear. Throughout the shutdown, Kingsgate maintained an annualised throughput rate of 4.3 million tonnes per annum, representing 87% of combined nameplate capacity across the mine's two processing facilities.

Remediation work included removing the trunnion bearings, completely overhauling the trunnion hydraulic lubrication units, refurbishing and linishing the trunnion journals, and fully replacing both trunnion bearings. Ball Mill 1 subsequently ran at full capacity for seven days of non-destructive testing to check for any expansion or changes in remaining thermo-mechanical cracks on the journal surface, with the operating team reporting no changes detected.

To mitigate future risks, Kingsgate has ordered a new discharge end mill head, fasteners, and guards. Delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, carrying a lead time of approximately 34 weeks. The company intends to install the new equipment during a scheduled maintenance shutdown for Plant 1. Kingsgate is assessing the impact of the reduced Plant 1 throughput experienced during the remediation period and expects to provide an updated fiscal 2027 guidance figure by the end of September.

“The immediate workaround and subsequent resumption of full nameplate processing capacity within 47 days after a major Ball Mill incident is a testament to the operating team's hard work. It highlights the operational and technical capabilities we have continued to build within the business since the restart of the Chatree gold mine. This is an important milestone as we return to full production rates.”

— Jamie Gibson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

The flagship Chatree operation in central Thailand previously produced 1.8 million ounces of gold and 10 million ounces of silver between 2001 and 2016 before operations recommenced in March 2023. Since the restart, the mine has achieved a cumulative production milestone exceeding 200,000 ounces of gold and 2 million ounces of silver.

Read the full announcement: Chatree Returns to Full Processing Capacity