Mobilization for a $1.5-million exploration program on Energex Minerals’ (VSE) Al project in the Toodoggone area north of Smithers, B.C., is under way. The program is designed to increase reserves of both high grade milling ore and lower-grade material amenable to heap leaching, says Energex.
Backhoe trenching, bulldozer stripping, surface sampling and diamond drilling are planned on strike extensions of existing deposits and other previously delineated gold zones. The Bonanza West zone, which is up to 80 ft wide at surface and some 1,200 ft along strike, will be a priority target.
At the end of 1987, reserves on the Al property were estimated to be 1.9 million tons grading 0.16 oz gold. Mineable reserves in three open pit deposits totalled 304,000 tons averaging 0.33 oz gold. Wright Engineers of Vancouver expects to complete a final feasibility study for the property in August after which “a production decision will follow,” says Energex.
The company’s Stage 1 report, which has already been reviewed by the provincial government, is being modified to include a heap leach facility for low grade ores.
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