A prefeasibility study of the Cerattepe project in Turkey calls for an operation consisting of both underground (copper) and open-pit (gold-silver) workings.
The deposit, operated by Cominco Resources International (TSE), consists of 1.2 million tonnes of pyrite-rich, brecciated ore grading 10% copper overlain by 1.6 million tonnes of oxidized ore grading 5.2 grams gold and 200 grams silver per tonne. The expected mine life, based on known reserves, is 7-8 years. A recent 10-hole, 1,200-metre drilling program is expected to augment reserves.
A bulk sample of 330 tonnes was obtained from the potentially open-pit Gossan zone, through three vertical shafts to depths of 13, 24 and 53 metres. Preliminary results compare favorably with calculated drill-hole reserves. The bulk sample has also thrown some light on ore density and metallurgy. Preliminary studies have been carried out in preparation for an environmental assessment report.
A production decision is believed imminent.
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