Catalpa Resources managing director Bruce McFadzean said construction of the $92 million gold project was continuing on schedule and within budget.

He said the first gold was expected to be poured in June.

“Construction is about 60 to 70 per cent complete,” he said.

“Refurbishment is essentially complete, we have ore on the ROM pad, our people and systems are in place, we have power and water, a supportive community and the project is well advanced and on schedule.

“Our first blast successfully removed a remnant overhang from the north face of the open-pit and we are presently less than four months from commencing ore commissioning.

“Most importantly, we have achieved this progress without any lost-time injuries since project construction commenced.”

Up to 180 employees and contractors are working at the mine during its construction phase.

When construction is complete, about 130 people will be employed at the mine which is predicted to produce around three tonnes of gold per year.

It is expected the mine will have a lifespan of at least nine years, but Catalpa aims to extend it up to 15 years.