Nor-Acme, High River dewatering Snow Lake mine

Dewatering at the former producing Snow Lake gold mine in Manitoba has reached the 450-ft level, partners Nor-Acme Gold Mines and High River Resources say. The target depth is 1,780 ft, the lowest mining level in the old workings. The project is located 80 miles east of Flin Flon.

We hope to have the mine dewatered by February, 1988,” A. Lewis Parres, president of Nor-Acme, told The Northern Miner. High River, which is headed by Brain Mount- ford, the former chairman of Brohm Resources, must spend $6 million over a four-year period in order to earn a 60% interest. During High River’s earn-in, the company must also produce a feasibility report and must complete a mill facility on site.

From 1949-1958, the Snow Lake mine produced 610,000 oz of gold before shutting down. As mining was only carried out to the 1,530-ft level, the partners feel substantial reserves remain between the 1,530- ft and 1,780-ft levels. Based on mine data, this area hosts drill-indicated reserves of 1.5 million tons grading 0.15 oz gold per ton. A geological mineral inventory below the 1,780- ft level adds another 4.35 million tons grading 0.152 oz.

Underground exploration will be designed to improve the confidence limits of the drill-indicated reserves. Also, drifting on the 1,780-ft level will enable drilling to test the area 500 ft below the deepest mine level.