Toll Milling Plant Refurbishment and Commissioning Complete.
By Panorama Minero
Challenger Gold Limited announced that its Argentine subsidiary, Golden Mining S.A., has executed a contract with global explosives leader Oricia for the provision of blasting products and on-site blasting services to support the Hualilán Toll Milling Phase; and a 24-month drilling services contract with Thor S.A. for blasthole drilling activities.
These agreements support the Toll Milling Phase of the Hualilán Gold Project, located in San Juan Province.
Highlights include:
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Contract signed with Orica, a global explosives leader, for the provision of blasting products and services.
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Contract signed with Thor S.A. for blasthole drilling services supporting Toll Milling operations at Hualilán.
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Thor operates one of Argentina’s largest drilling fleets and is the preferred drilling partner for Orica’s contract blasting operations in Argentina.
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Strategic engagement of specialised local contractors for drill & blast and mining operations during the Toll Milling phase to de-risk start-up and ensure reliable early-stage production.
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Casposo Toll Milling plant refurbishment and commissioning completed; with the plant now processing lower-grade Casposo stockpiles.
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Orica and Thor mobilising to site by end-October 2025; blasthole drilling to commence no later than the first week of November 2025, followed by the first blast shortly thereafter.
Commenting on the development, Challenger CEO Kris Knauer, said:
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“We are pleased to partner with Orica and Thor as we take this next step toward production at Hualilán. Their technical strengths and established operational footprint in Argentina make them ideal partners for a project of this scale. These contracts ensure safe, efficient, and reliable drilling-and-blast execution as we commence mining operations for toll milling”.
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“We are aligned with both Orica and Thor not only commercially, but also in our shared goal of creating lasting value in San Juan through local employment, training, and the development of regional suppliers”.
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“The Toll Milling Phase is a critical milestone in Challenger’s growth strategy, providing near-term cash flow and de-risking the development of the broader Hualilán Gold Project, one of Argentina’s most advanced undeveloped gold assets.”
