Rea completes adit at Adams Lake bet

A $2-million program is nearing completion at Rea Gold’s Discovery zone property 60 miles northeast of Kamloops, B.C.

The company completed a 1,033- ft adit to access reserves in the L98 lens, calculated at 150,000 tons grading 0.16 oz gold. In total, Discovery zone reserves are 266,000 tons grading 0.19 oz gold, 2.5 oz silver, 5% combined lead-zinc and 0.5% copper, President Larry Reaugh reports.

Bulk sampling has started and about 1,500 tons of gold-bearing massive sulphide mineralization is being stockpiled adjacent to the portal. Further underground drilling is also planned. The ore is highly refractory and metallurgical tests are being carried out by International Bioleach of Vancouver. The initial bioleaching tests had recovery rates of 86% and 94%. A couple of tons will be taken from the bulk sample for use in further hydrometallurgical tests necessary to complete the mill process feasibility.

In a joint venture with Minnova Inc. as operator, Rea is proceeding with feasibility work at the Samatosum silver deposit. The company has a 30% working interest plus a 5% net smelter return in the Samatosum deposit, which is located half a mile northeast of the Discovery zone. Reserves here are 660,000 tons grading 32 oz silver, 0.05 oz gold, 6% combined lead/zinc and 1.3% copper.