Winslow and Gentry Resources to re-open Engineer mine in

After nearly 70 dormant years, the Engineer mine in northwestern British Columbia is expected to offer up its golden treasure.

A producer in the 1920s, Engineer surrendered 18,400 tonnes grading 1.07 oz. gold. About 5,500 metres of drifting and crosscutting were completed and production came from eight levels on the main vein over a vertical distance of 190 metres.

Privately owned Ampex Mining can earn a half interest from Winslow Gold (VSE) and Gentry Resources (VSE) by spending $500,000 on exploration. Recent work by Ampex has centered around re-exploring and rehabilitating the mine. A portal was refurbished and drifting carried out to reach the Governor, Boulder and main Engineer veins.

On the 500 level, bulk samples ranging from 200 to 900 kg were collected from the Boulder and Governor veins. Values from Boulder ranged from 0.5 to 1.40 oz. gold per ton, while Governor samples yielded values from 0.63 to 1.1 oz. gold.

In addition to the three zones, several other oreshoots have been discovered in the mine. Mine records indicate that the Double Decker vein on the 800 level has much higher grades than the Engineer vein. Ampex hopes to dewater and rehabilitate this level in 1994.

The joint-venture partners are obtaining the necessary permits to re-open the mine from the British Columbia mines ministry. Ampex plans to construct a 50-75-tonne-per-day mill to process a bulk sample by July, 1994. Upon completion of the bulk sample, it is hoped the mine will re-enter production at 30-50 tonnes per day.