Round Mountain to double in size

The world’s largest open pit heap leach gold mining operation is about to double in size.

The Round Mountain mine in Nye Cty., Nev., owned by Echo Bay Mines (50%), Homestake Mining (25%) and 25% by Case, Pomeroy & Co, a private New York-based company, is the subject of a $140 million(US) expansion program.

Crews are now working on a pre- stripping program for the expanded pit with the entire project expected to be completed by the end of 1988.

Last year, the mine produced 167,650 oz of gold. The expansion plan will enable the mine to process 35,000 tons of ore per day. At an average grade of 0.035 oz and a recovery rate of 70%, the annual gold production is anticipated to come in around 300,000 oz.

Current production facilities will remain intact during the construction period and hence no interruption of production will occur.