An exploratory tunnel approximately 3.1 km long.

The major stage and primary activity of the Exploratory Works is the extraction of rock to create the exploratory tunnel. Works will include the establishment of the portal and associated earthworks and batter protection, the drill and blast operation, rock coring, testing and cavern alignment confirmation to provide the completed exploratory tunnel. Tunnelling will be carried out via traditional methods, drill and blast being the most likely option.