All current mining operations are underground. Stawell Gold Mines (SGM) has operated at its current location since 1981, which has involved the progressive mining of gold in a series of open pits and extensive underground workings. The surface operations are situated adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Stawell Township and encompass an approximate area of 380 ha. The site’s underground workings extend from the Magdala portal in a north-westerly direction underneath the town.

The processing plant at SGM is a conventional gravity/leaching process which recovers gold from both underground (sulphide) and surface (oxide) ore sources. Processing involves a two-stage crushing, milling and a Carbon in Leach (CIL) circuit. Most ore types require further liberation of the gold from sulphide materials. This is achieved in a two-stage floatation circuit where gold-bearing sulphides (eg. pyrite, arsenopyrite and some phyrrhotite) are concentrated. The ground sulphides and flotation tail are then recombined and sent to the CIL circuit, where sodium cyanide was used to leach the gold from the slurry.

Gold from SGM is sent to for further refining and is then able to be used in a variety of products including electronics, aerospace applications, jewellery and medical equipment.