Project operator Cominco (TSE) is gearing up for the start of its 1990 work program on the Tulsequah Chief volcanogenic massive sulphide project in northwestern British Columbia. A budget of $1.6 million was approved by the major mining company which owns 60% of the former producer and by junior partner Redfern Resources (TSE) which has earned a 40% interest.
The objective of the program will be to further increase geological reserves which currently stand at 5.8 million tons grading 1.6% copper, 1.3% lead, 7.0% zinc, 0.08 oz. gold per ton and 2.9 oz. silver. John Greig, president of Redfern, notes that the deposit is still open in all directions.
“Success in extending the deposit to depth and on strike will add dramatically to the reserves,” he stated. Redfern and Cominco hope to outline sufficient reserves to justify reopening the mine which produced from 1951 to 1957 until low metal prices forced a closure.
Considering the results to date and current geological understanding of the deposit, Redfern said an ultimate potential in the 10- to 20-million-ton range “appears realistic.”
In the phase-one program, Cominco will extend the 5400 level a further 600 ft. to the north so that four drill holes, between 2,500 and 3,200 ft. in length, can test the mineral horizon at a depth 1,000 ft. below the deepest levels tested in 1989.
In last year’s program the deepest holes included the thickest intercept obtained to date, which assayed 1.19% copper, 1.15% lead, 6.0% zinc, 0.106 oz. gold and 3.44 oz. silver over a 52-ft. true thickness. The deposit has an average true thickness of 20 ft. and dips about 70 degrees to the north.
The second-phase program is expected to involve stepout drilling on strike to the east and west, drilling above the 5400 level on the G zone which is open upwards, and infill drilling to provide better definition over the 2,800-ft. vertical range from the 5400 level to the 2600 level.
Redfern expects mobilization of fuel, track, timber, mine cars and a second drill rig will take place in late March or early April.
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