Inco has dewatered the Cochenour No 1 shaft to the 2200-ft level and has completed mapping and sampling on 14 of 18 levels in the mine. Four levels were blocked which precluded sampling, Pronto says.
Inco has also completed 56,000 ft of drilling, the majority of which was performed from the 1800-ft level. This work tested a chert sedimentary horizon that was not mined previously.
Of the results received, Inco says 13 of 21 holes in the chert unit assayed above 0.2 oz gold per ton over a core length of at least six ft. However, continuity between drill holes has yet to be demonstrated. A determination of grade and reserves in the chert unit will require the completion of additional drilling and bulk sampling. The drilling program will be followed by bulk sampling leading to the completion of a feasibility study sometime next year, Inco has told Pronto.
The Cochenour-Willans mine produced 1.2 million oz of gold from 2.3 million tons of ore during its 32-year mine life. The operation ceased production in 1971. A 400- ton-per-day mill is on site, but would require refurbishing in order to make it operational.
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