Dome mine output on the increase

Gold production at the Dome mine in South Porcupine, Ont., has reached levels not seen since the 1940s.

The rise is attributed to the addition of an “expert” to the staff of the Placer Dome (TSE) project.

“We’ve installed something called the expert system,” General Manager Robert Perry told The Northern Miner. “Essentially, the whole grinding circuit is computerized and set up as though we had our best operator there working 24 hours per day.

“You can maximize your efficiency with the expert system and we’ve been able to increase our productivity in excess of 4,400 tons through the mill each day.”

A few years ago, the maximum processing rate was 3,300 tons per day. Gold production grew to 18,003 oz. in June from 16,000 oz. in May. “We’re quite proud of this,” Perry said. “We attribute the increased production to the introduction of the expert system and, of course, our excellent workforce.”

Dome bought the system from Comdale Industries for $270,000 and it paid for itself in a few months.

“Last year, we produced between 174,000 oz. and 176,000 oz. gold and this year we expect to either match that or exceed it,” Perry said. “We’re able to feed the mill with additional tonnage from the open pit plus we’re getting better productivity from our underground.”

Meanwhile, a feasibility study to determine the economics of expanding the open pit at the Dome gold mine should be completed in the fourth quarter. Placer Dome says the study will consider expanding the processing plant to treat ore from both the underground mine and the expanded pit. The mine is within the city limits of Timmins, Ont.

Expansion would require relocating or replacing the crushing plant, service buildings and highway. Waste rock and low-grade material would be stockpiled near the proposed pit.