Granges’ Tartan mill shut down for repair

The milling operation at Granges Exploration’s (TSE) Tartan Lake gold project near Flin Flon, Man., has been shut down because of mechanical problems. Apparently an idler shaft in a rod mill cracked, which will take a few weeks to repair, says President Mike Muzylowski. Abermin Corp. (TSE) of Vancouver is the joint venture partner in the project.

Muzylowski also confirms that management changes have been made at the mine which hopefully will improve its operating performance. Since February recoveries have only averaged 60% and he estimates head grades have been running at about 0.25 oz gold per ton. Dilution appears to be a problem underground and estimates of 9% dilution from mine officials are probably low, he says, claiming it could be over 13%.

Strathcona Mineral Services has been commissioned to supervise a bulk sampling program from the 260 level at Tartan where the best mining widths and grades are indicated from drilling. But this program will take longer than expected because of problems in the plant. Muzylowski notes that Abermin asked for Strathcona’s intervention in March because of the operating problems and Granges agreed.

Muzylowski claims the company’s metallurgical consultants have verified that earlier production targets are achievable but he concedes there will be a period of “readjustment.” A few weeks ago Abermin issued a news release which stated that if Strathcona’s preliminary assessment is confirmed, “the Tartan Lake mine should be operated on a significantly reduced scale and that other exploration targets in the area should be assessed.”