Aurizon and Louvem start production at Beaufor gold mine near Val d’Or

The Beaufor mine, near Val d’Or, Que., has begun churning out the yellow metal.

Equal partners Aurizon Mines (TSE) and Louvem Mines (TSE) commenced production in early January. The miners’ changeroom and the administrative offices were destroyed by fire in mid-December, but a construction crew worked through the Christmas season to rebuild the facilities, and the scheduled opening date was kept.

Production for 1996 is projected at 25,000 oz., increasing gradually to 36,000 oz. in 1998.

Reserves stand at 550,000 tonnes grading 8.9 grams, enough for five years of production. The ore is being processed at Louvem’s nearby Camflo mill, and average production costs are estimated at US$228 per oz.