Challenger was a virgin gold discovery made by Dominion Mining Limited in May 1995 (two years after that Company's pioneering exploration efforts in the Gawler Craton commenced). However, the project was not developed for several years as Dominion and its former joint venture partner, Resolute Ltd, focused on other projects and interests.

After reaching agreement to purchase Resolute's 50% interest in December 2000, Dominion commenced a Bankable Feasibility Study on the development of an open cut mining operation. Shortly after this study was completed in September 2001, the decision was made to proceed with construction of a processing plant and infrastructure.

Open pit mining commenced in mid-2002 and plant and infrastructure was completed during the September 2002 Quarter. Plant commissioning commenced, on schedule, in late September 2002 and the first shipment of gold bullion was completed on 24 October 2002.

Mining of the Stage 1 open pit and small adjacent auxilliary pit was completed by April 2004 to the final planned design depth of 125 metres below surface.

Underground development commenced in February 2004 with the construction of a decline and associated surface facilities adjacent to the open pit.

Underground development continued throughout 2004, enabling full-scale underground production to begin in mid-2005.

Four principal ore positions have now been delineated at Challenger - the M1, M2 and M3 lodes and the M1 Shadow Zone. During 2009, 48% was mined from the M1 shoot and 52% was mined from the M2 shoot increasing to 63% over the second half of the year. Recent exploration has confirmed that the high-grade M1, M2 and M3 shoots - the lifeblood of the Challenger operation - extend to considerable depths.

To June 2009, the M1 decline had been mined down to 500 level or about 700 metres below surface, and stoping has been completed at 600 level, 600 metres below surface.