Vancouver — Some 5.5 km north of the producing Kemess copper-gold mine, operator Northgate Exploration (NGX-T) has cut some impressive grades at the Kemess North project in north-central British Columbia.
Part of a $500,000 program aimed at expanding the existing resource at Kemess North (360 million tonnes grading 0.154% copper and 0.3 gram gold), 10 holes have been completed. The assay results are in for eight. Highlights include:
- Hole 6 — 186.6 metres averaging 0.28% copper and 0.6 gram gold per tonne;
- Hole 7 — 209.8 metres averaging 0.37% copper and 0.82 gram gold;
- Hole 9 — 192.7 metres averaging 0.26% copper and 0.62 gram gold; and
- Hole 10 — 177.8 metres grading 0.51% copper and 1.2 grams gold.
“The discovery of much higher-grade mineralization enhances the potential of Kemess North to add significantly to our ore reserve base,” says Northgate’s CEO, Ken Stowe.
Six of the eight holes were collared outside the previously reported mineral inventory for the project.
Northgate is currently mining the Kemess South open pit, which hosts proven reserves of 146 million tonnes grading 0.24% copper and 0.65 gram gold.
According to the company, the new mineralization remains open in all directions, with the gold-to-copper ratios increasing to the northeast. Northgate says a trend is developing where the copper and gold grades increase with depth.
“Based on the results, the 2001 drill program has been expanded to include six more holes,” says Stowe. “These holes will increase our knowledge of the new high-grade zone.”
Last year, Kemess produced 225,994 oz. gold and 50.4 million lbs. copper. Cash operating costs averaged US$248 gold per oz. (net of byproduct credits). A total of 34.6 million tonnes of material were mined and operations milled 14.1 million tonnes of ore at a daily rate of 38,630 tonnes.
The average mill head grade was 0.778 gram gold and 0.22% copper.
Recoveries were pegged at 64% and 74% for gold and copper, respectively.
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