Somchai.... I am just passing on what I was told...

I imagine there could be differences in the type of rock, the size of the shaft (i.e. decline ramp, not vertical shaft - wasn't aware that "shaft" was technically only a vertical one)... they make a pretty good sized opening when they go in at SGR as it needs to accommodate good sized equipment. Also, there may be some reinforcing work to do as they move along (see photo gallery for an example of that). Not sure why it is only 20' per day, but that is what he said (and probably also why they are behind in the timing of when they expected to be there). JMHO

I just went back to my notes from our mine tour in April 2007 to see what the size of the hole is that they made in SGR#1... 16' x 14' - here is my quote from then:

We were then treated to a nice sandwich platter lunch back at the main mine building. From there we donned mining boots, belt, battery pack and light and drove over to San Gold #1 where we prepared to go down into the mine. We rode in a cart behind a tractor and headed down the inclined shaft to get down to where the mining of good ore takes place. The shaft we drove through is about 16 feet high, 14 feet wide and to-date has been extended about 6000 feet through solid rock, reaching down to about 700 or 800 feet below surface! That is an amazing amount of rock to remove in order to get at some gold!

NL