Black Cat Syndicate (ASX:BC8) said that mining at the boundary open pit at its Kal East Gold Operation in Western Australia started ahead of schedule, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.

The pit is now in development, with ground clearing completed and pre-stripping of waste already underway, the filing said. It is expected to have a lifespan of four to five months, with the potential for extension via a southern cutback.

Open pit mining operations at the project remain on track for completion in October, three months ahead of schedule, the filing added.

Following start-up cost recovery, Black Cat will receive its first AU$30 million in cash flow, with profits subsequently shared with joint venture partner MMS, the company said.