Gold output is notable for Total-Erickson

With two mining operations running only part of the year, 1986 gold production for Total Erickson Resources amounted to 35,633 oz.

The company’s Mt. Skukum project south of Whitehorse, Yukon, came on stream in February, 1986, but only reached full capacity in June. The mine produced 30,003 oz gold from 85,600 tons of ore grading 0.386 oz. The majority of it went to the largest interest holder in the project, AGIP Canada.

Production at the Erickson mine near Cassiar, B.C., resumed in July and for six months gold output was 24,262 oz from 27,167 tons of feed. The average grade was 0.94 oz which would be about the highest ever processed at the operation. Fourth-quarter production was 18,394 oz gold from 16,359 tons of feed, all of which came from the Eileen vein system.

Underground drilling this year has intersected a new high-grade vein structure about 160 ft south of the Eileen vein. The program was designed to test structural targets in proximity to the underground Eileen vein workings, says Total Erickson.

A drill intersection in hole C87-198 returned 13.1 ft of 1.49 oz gold per ton and 1.29 oz silver. The company says the new vein “appears to have similar potential as the Eileen vein, as it occupies a parallel and similar geological structure.” Underground workings are being extended to explore and develop this new vein, the company adds.