Study supports plan to develop fluorite property

Based on the findings of an interim report by Kilborn Engineering, Silverspar Minerals (VSE) reports that its Silver District fluorite-silver property in La Paz Cty., Ariz., has the potential to be an economically successful operation.

The company’s project has attracted considerable investor interest because of a projected increase in demand for fluorite (acidspar), and its immediate byproduct, hydrofluoric acid. Acidspar is the principal feedstock in the manufacture of hydrofluorocarbons (or HFCs) which are recognized as an “ozone-benign” replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (or CFCs) used in refrigerants and other products.

The initial capacity of the proposed operation is estimated at 50,000-60,000 tons of fluorite to be produced annually along with about 1.5 million oz. silver from a heap-leach operation. The interim study found that no major environmental concerns were evident, and adequate supplies of water and power appear to be available.

Kilborn also said a full feasibility study is warranted, with estimated costs likely to be $200,000.

Silverspar retained Orcan Mineral Associates to review the results of its 1992 drill program. The work on the Black Rock, Padre Kino, Silver King and Princess zones — together with the Pacific deposit reported by New Jersey Zinc — indicated a total preliminary reserve of 2.26 million tons grading 14.5% fluorite.

Silverspar President Peter Fox said this represents a preliminary reserve of some 325,000 tons of contained fluorite calculated on a 100% basis, or a 30% increase from that previously reported by the company.

Fox noted that further exploration on the Princess and Padre Kino zones, together with existing reserves on the State deposit, “could add some 230,000 tons grading 16% fluorite.”

The company plans to continue expanding its fluorite inventory with a view to developing the property for production in early 1994.

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