Following an extended period of preparation, optimisation, and operational refinement, Acrux Gold has successfully transitioned the Cononish gold and silver mine out of commissioning and into stable production.
Since returning to production in November, the focus has been on establishing consistency, safety, and operational discipline across all aspects of the operation. This transition marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment of Scotland’s only commercial gold and silver mine.
Sean Browne, CEO of Acrux Gold, commented: “We are concluding commissioning and moving into stable production. This transition has required a high degree of operational discipline and focus, ensuring that systems, processes, and performance are aligned to deliver consistent output.”
Cononish is now producing gold and silver concentrate on a steady basis, with operational systems and workflows aligned to supporting increasing consistency in output. The operation now employs over 100 people, reflecting Acrux Gold’s commitment to building a skilled and locally engaged workforce, and supporting the regional economy.
Sean added: “I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved to date. We are building a long-term operation that contributes to Scotland’s economy and reflects the quality and heritage rooted in Scotland’s natural resources.”
Gold continues to play an increasingly important role globally as a store of value, a strategic asset, and a barometer of economic uncertainty. Against this backdrop, the strength of the gold price underscores the long-term relevance of the sector and the importance of responsibly sourced production.
As operations transition out of commissioning, the focus is on establishing consistent performance and product quality, ensuring that gold and silver produced at Cononish reflects a clear sense of origin, integrity, and provenance. Scotland’s natural resources and heritage underpin this positioning, establishing Cononish as a distinctive and traceable source of gold and silver within the global market.
Operating within a nationally significant environmental and cultural landscape, Acrux Gold recognises both a privilege and a responsibility associated with Cononish. The Company remains committed to
maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship, ensuring that operations are conducted with care for the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.
At the same time, Acrux Gold continues to prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and development of its people, while contributing positively to the local community and wider Scottish economy.
Oster Milambo, Director of Property with Crown Estate Scotland which manages the rights to most naturally occurring gold and silver found in Scotland, said: “We welcome the news of this significant milestone at Cononish. As a responsible landlord, Crown Estate Scotland is committed to assisting Acrux and all key stakeholders in this new phase of stable production, supporting jobs and a positive, responsible impact on the local economy.”
As Scotland’s only commercial gold and silver mine, moving into production presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate how modern mining can be conducted responsibly, transparently, and with a clear focus on long-term value creation.
MEDIA CONTACT: GABRIELLA VON ILLE
Gabriella@lifacommunications.com