Total historical production (5,763,111 tons with 1,436,325 ounces of recovered gold)
plus current resources to the 4630 Level are approximately 7,700,000 tons grading 0.29
ounces per ton (before dilution and mill recovery factors) and equate to 1,460 tons per
vertical foot. Based on the structural continuity of the vein system, Howe concludes that
there could be potential for at least 1,500,000 tons of mineralisation that will likely
average 0.29 ounces gold per ton within the next 1,000 vertical feet below the 4730
Level. The existing D-Shaft hoist is capable of supporting operations at least to that
depth. Scattered deep exploration drill holes support this potential for additional
mineralisation as they have indicated that the vein system is present at the 3800 level, 930
feet below the 4730 Level, where an intersection of 0.44 ounces gold per ton over 4 feet
has been obtained.
The pre-production mine plan will involve a limited program of underground
development to provide access to the indicated and inferred D-Shaft resource that lies
100 to 600 feet to the east of the existing D-Shaft working levels. This will provide
access for in-fill drilling and for initial drifting on a number of the vein zones that occur
in that area. The goal will be to increase the proven and probable reserve base by at least
400,000 tons prior to restarting production at the mine.
