Along with that optimisation plan, WPG is also implementing some minor improvements at its Tarcoola open pit operation and in the milling operation at the Challenger processing hub.

The improvement works started late last year and has progressed over the past six months.

The optimisation plan looks like having some impact on gold production, although that is not expected to be felt until next year.

WPG's gold production fell short in May, despite the month getting off to a good start, with about 5200 ounces being produced against a forecast of 6500oz.

WPG blamed the poorer production on a number of unplanned events including the loss of a mineralised pod in a high grade stope when a rockfall temporarily buried a remote bogger, and some issues in the mi...