Operations
Noche Buena
Noche Buena is a disseminated gold deposit amenable to open pit mining and is located 23 kilometres southeast of the Herradura gold mine. The present drill indicated resource is 600,000 ounces of gold and additional exploration is planned in the area. Given the proximity to Herradura and the development potential, the acquisition of Noche Buena is consistent with Fresnillo plc's strategy to consolidate mining districts.
Confirmation drilling was accelerated at the Noche Buena gold project located near the Herradura mine (both 56% Fresnillo plc, 44% Newmont). Sixty reverse circulation holes (13,660 metres) were drilled to delineate the limits of the gold mineralization, and identify areas for the construction of leach pads. Thirty four diamond drill holes (13,660 metres) were also completed for resource delineation, and the reserves will be determined in 1Q2010. The Penmont diamond drill programme for reserve calculation and metallurgical samples will be completed in 1Q 2010.