VisitI visited both sites of Valterra in Mato Grosso in December. Met Richard and some of the team who seemed to have got things up and running in a relatively short space of time. Showed me around Livramento (operational) and Lima (awaiting permits).
Livramento's plant and equipment were going through a full overhaul since acquisition from previous owner, currently with one ball mill operational and the plant processing up to around 30 tonnes/ hour.
Seems to be a lot of potential there from speaking with the prospector and the number of veins I saw being uncovered. It's also a huge bit piece of land. Once the second ball mill is up and running, doubling capacity, and with 24 HR/ day throughput should expect a significant production. It's low grade gold being excavated but the cost of production is also very low, so even if gold were to drop from current prices it's still a very feasible project.
Lima, at beginning stages, was also looking promising, more so because of the geology of the area, potentially even richer than that of Livramento. Sounded like it would be another few weeks though until permits would come through due to legal system recess in December/ January. They might need to build a second plant there at some point, but initially will be processed in Livramento.
The whole area is reminiscent of parts of Australia I worked in exploration/ drilling and I think it has huge potential. The difference is that production costs in Mato Grosso are a just a fraction compared with those of Australia.
Had a medium sized holding in Valterra from last year's raise which I've since increased. Looking forward to these next few months!