Alba Mineral Resources has provided an operational update on its Clogau-St David's Gold Mine and Dolgellau Gold Exploration Project in north Wales. The company has been granted an extension to its European Protected Species Licence, allowing it to continue operations at the mine until September 2024. The extension will enable Alba to complete the dewatering of the Lower Llechfraith workings and proceed with its exploration program without interruption. The exclusion zone constructed by the company to protect bats and other protected species has been tested and found to be effective. Acoustic test blasting and sampling have been successfully completed, with noise levels within permitted levels. The company is also progressing applications for variations to its discharge and abstraction permits. The abstraction permit application is currently in the public consultation period. Emergency abstraction measures are being implemented to safeguard safety and access works in the reflooded Lower Llechfraith workings until increased abstraction and discharge thresholds are granted. In the Dolgellau Gold Exploration Project, a sample taken from the Caerwych Prospect returned 1.365% copper. The company's contractors for an airborne geophysical survey are on standby, but the survey has been delayed due to high wind speeds.