Stralak feasibility expected by July

In the New East zone, reserves of 339,974 tons grading 4.4% zinc, 0.48% copper, 0.63% lead and 2 oz silver per ton have been outlined. The remaining reserves are in two other zones. Zinc grades in these other zones are slightly better than 3% per ton with marginal copper and lead credits.

Drilling, which began in late 1988, has returned several encouraging intersections. These include 11.8 ft grading 11% zinc and a 13.6-ft intersection which assayed 7.76% zinc. Another 12.6-ft section assayed 5.45% zinc.

At the conclusion of the current program, Stralak plans to begin a feasibility study, expected to be completed by July. A possible production decision could be made by the end of the year.

This is not the first time the company has promised a feasibility study. In 1985, (N.M., July 4/85), 1985), the company said that on completion of its drill program it would begin a feasibility study with the intention of determining the capital costs of a small-scale mining operation. .N12

** Stratmin opens graphite mine **

Officially opening its graphite mine about 120 miles north of Montreal on March 21 was Stratmin Inc. (ME).

Guest speakers at the opening were Quebec mines minister Raymond Savoie, Chairman Pierre Gauthier, President Jean Depatie and the president of Asbury Graphite Mines, Marvin Riddle.

The company placed its cystalline flake graphite project into commercial production in late February. Reserves from the St-Aime-du-Lac- des-Iles deposit are estimated to total 23.7 million tonnes.

Stratmin is processing its material at a facility leased on a long- term basis from Asbury at a production rate of 400 tonnes per day. Customer shipments of graphite concentrate began March 7.

The company is building its own mill (500 tonnes per day) at the site of the deposit; Stratmin hopes to have its new facility in operation by December.

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