The new Sa Dena Hes lead-zinc mine at Watson Lake, Yukon, was officially opened Sept. 24 by joint venture partners Curragh Resources (TSE) and Hillsborough Resources (TSE).
The new mine, known formerly as Mt. Hundere, is Curragh’s second mining operation in the Yukon and the second the company has opened this year. Early in September, Curragh Chairman Clifford Frame officially opened the Westray coal mine at New Glasgow, N.S.
Curragh, the operator, has an 80% interest in Sa Dena Hes, which cost about $70 million to bring into production, not including the initial $10-million acquisition price and the approximate $4 million spent on proving up reserves and environmental permitting. Hillsborough owns the remaining 20% interest. Sulphide reserves are broken down into a proven 75,000 tonnes grading 18.8% zinc, 16.9% lead and 89 grams silver per tonne, and a probable 3.86 million tonnes averaging 12.7% zinc, 3.9% lead and 58 grams silver. Probable oxide reserves stand at 500,000 tonnes grading 12.1% zinc, 8.1% lead and 109 grams silver.
Annual output of 140,000 tonnes concentrate is anticipated.
Curragh said the Sa Dena Hes deposit has a higher grade than the Faro operation, the company’s other lead-zinc mining project in the northern territory.
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