Annual report for MLS 154 Dead Bullock Soak for the year ending 11 February 2010

Abstract

Mining operations undertaken by Newmont Tanami Pty Ltd on MLS 154, Dead Bullock Soak, for the calendar year to December 2009, produced 289,034 ounces of gold. Gold was treated at the mill facility on MLS 8 The Granites. Ore milled from MLS 154 during the year came from mining of the Callie underground resource (Callie UG ROM and Callie UG LG) and the Triumph stockpile, additional mill feed included the Callie and Villa mineralised waste. Exploration drilling targets on MLS 154 predominantly tested the Jenna and Auron deposits. A total number of 9 parent holes and 9 associated daughter holes were collared and drilled during the reporting period. Drill hole DBD0486D1 was started in the previous reporting period but completed during 2009. A total of 11,093.5 metres were drilled from surface including and one exploration hole drilled from underground. Jenna was the main target for 2009. Other targets included the Auron deposit and a new target defined by Dr John Miller. The Jenna deposit was targeted on three sections during 2009, five parent holes and 7 daughter holes were drilled. Drilling commenced on the 59400mE section this included 2 daughter holes - DBD0486D2 and DBD0486D3 (drilled from a parent completed during 2008) which totalled 1646.7 metres. The Jenna 'position' was followed up on the 58500mE section, two parent holes were drilled (DBD0491, and DBD0492) these holes totalled 1147.7 metres. The Jenna position was then followed up on 59800mE (close to the original discover section) where 6 holes were drilled. DBD0493 and DBD0493D1 were abandoned due to deviation problems. DBD0493D2, DBD0493D3, DBD0493D4, and DBD0493D5 were drilled from the abandoned holes. A total of 3204.9 metres was drilled on 59800mE. A final parent hole was drilled up plunge on the 59600mE section, this hole (DBD0494) was 1300 metres in length. An underground exploration hole (X900_3871) was drilled from the 59900mE section on the 660 level, the hole was 390 metres. The Auron deposit was also drilled on three sections during 2009 with four parent holes and one daughter hole being drilled. Drilling of Auron commenced on the 59400mE section. DBD0486D1 was drilled off a parent hole completed in 2008 and was 734.7 metres in length. The initial parent hole (DBD0487) on the 59100mE section was abandoned due to deviation problems, and a second attempt was made at successfully completing the parent hole (DBD0487D1). These holes totalled 831 metres. Drilling of Auron continued up plunge on the 58700mE section. The initial parent DBD0489 was abandoned due to deviation problems and a second parent hole was drilled (DBD0489D1), a third parent hole (DBD0490) was also drilled. A total of 1105.9 metres was drilled on 58700mE. A final parent hole (DBD0488) was drilled for 732.6 metres on the 59100mE section this was aimed at a target devised by Dr John Miller.