Campbell plans underground exploration at Joe Mann

A $1.35-million underground exploration program is planned for the West zone of the Joe Mann gold-copper mine near Chibougamau, Que.

Campbell Resources discovered the zone last year during a surface drilling program representing 31,000 ft. A preliminary assessment of the zone, some 1,800 ft. west of the existing shaft, indicates the potential for about 1 million tons grading 0.18-0.25 oz. gold per ton.

The new program will consist of 3,500 ft. of lateral drifting on the 1,650-ft. level west of the existing shaft, which will provide a platform for 35,000 ft. of drilling.

Drifting will commence in June, with drill-testing and bulk-sampling expected to begin by January, 1996.

Campbell believes existing mine infrastructure could service the new zone, and that the expanded operation could yield 85,000 oz. annually by 1999.

For 1995, Joe Mann is expected to produce 65,000 oz. gold and 1.2 million lb. copper.

Meanwhile, Campbell has begun exploration drilling on its Santa Gertrudis gold property in northern Mexico. Planned are 82 holes, consisting of 15,000 ft. of reverse-circulation drilling and 1,000 ft. of diamond drilling, to test 10 targets.

The company hopes to increase reserves through the discovery of new deposits within the 10-sq.-mile area of current mining operations. Surface exploration work has outlined targets elsewhere on the 50-sq.-mile property.

Campbell has budgeted $2 million this year for exploration at Santa Gertrudis, which is expected to produce 50,000 oz. in 1995.