Sigma reopens

McWatters Mining‘s (MWA-T) gold mill at the Sigma open-pit operations in Val d’Or, Que., has resumed commercial production. The mill began its ramp-up in late November, after capacity was boosted to 5,000 from 3,000 tonnes per day.

On the mining side, open-pit operations are running at the expected 42,000 tonnes of ore and waste per day. However, drilling has slowed down and operating costs have increased, owing to the late delivery of drill rigs.

Plans call for the production of 856,000 oz. gold at US$165 per oz. from 2003 to 2008. Mining will target 10.4 million tonnes of reserves running 2.67 grams gold per tonne.

Last year, a bail-out by the provincial government left McWatters with a 60% stake in Sigma-Lamaque. Soquem grabbed the remaining 40% for $15.8 million.