16Vista pleased with results on metallurgical test at Rio

Metallurgical tests completed on rock fron Vista Mines’ Rio property have returned encouraging results. Material sampled from the 225-ft level had a composite head grade of 0.24 oz gold per ton. Direct cyanidation of the rock yielded a 97.6% recovery of contained gold. A combination of cyanidation and flotation released 98.4% of the gold.

A bulk sampling program, designed to mine and mill 20,000 tons, has been recommended by Vista’s project consultant. The program will sample material from all underground levels to a depth of 450 ft. The Rio property is located near Creighton, Sask.

A decline ramp on the property has been completed to a depth of 250 ft. An extension to the 450-ft level is expected to be completed by the end of February. Pending the receipt of favorable results from the exploration and metallurgical programs, Vista hopes to make a production decision by the second quarter of this year. In the 1986 annual report, President Arthur J. Fox said that the company would be in a position to make a production decision in 1987.

Reserves at the Rio deposit total 126,351 tons grading 0.28 oz gold per ton. The mill is rated at 125 tons per day.