The Childe Harold deposit was mined by the Granny Smith Joint
Venture (GSJV) from late-March through to early-December
1993. This was a fast-tracked mining project whose history
began with an offer to purchase agreement being signed at the
end of October 1992. A feasibility study was completed by the
end of December 1992 after completion of a reverse circulation
(RC) and diamond drilling program. Subsequent additional
definition drilling culminated in a remodelling of the reserve by
March 1993, by which time all necessary governmental and
company approvals had been granted. The crucial aspect of mining Childe Harold quickly was to
maintain oxide ore supply to the Granny Smith mill at the
maximum possible rate for blending with existing fresh ore
stocks. As a result, high production rates had to be balanced with