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The Macraes Phase Four Project Fast-Track Application

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Underground Mine Development

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Golden Point Underground Mine Extension

Golden Point Underground (GPUG) is an established underground mine with surface access via two portals on the eastern wall of Golden Point Pit which is located approximately 700 m from the Macraes Processing Plant.

One portal accesses the haulage decline which is used for the intake for fresh air, and facilitates movement of personnel and materials, including ore and waste in and out of GPUG. The other is the ventilation return with the ventilation fans at the portal which pull fresh air through GPUG and exhausts ​‘stale’ air that has circulated in the underground openings.

As a component of MP4, OceanaGold proposes to further expand GPUG. The eastern extent of the proposed envelope has not yet been explored (drilled), meaning there is a level of uncertainty regarding the resource that exists in this area. Exploration in this area is planned for 2026.

The existing haulage decline will continue to be used to access GPUG. No new access or service tunnel connections with surface are proposed. In addition to the decline, the existing vent return and fan for mine ventilation will continue to be used to service the expanded GPUG layout.

GPUG will be developed by drill and blast using jumbo drills and ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) or bulk emulsion charging units. Stopes are to be charged with ANFO or bulk emulsion and the blasted ore recovered using remote control load haul dump machines (LHDs). This method of underground mining is the same as the existing GPUG operation.

The depth of proposed workings within the currently unconsented area will vary from 440 mRL to ‑40 mRL (40 m below sea level) for the drilled envelope and between about 220 mRL to ‑130 mRL for the undrilled envelope, with depth increasing as mining progresses eastwards.