Miramar’s Con mine on track

Production at the Con gold mine in Yellowknife, N.W.T., is expected to meet this year’s target of 130,000 oz. plus.

The underground mine, owned by Miramar Mining (TSE), cranked out 28,117 oz. in the first quarter at a cash operating cost of US$341 per oz. This compares with US$294 per oz. in the same quarter last year.

Higher per-ounce costs during the recent 3-month period were attributed to an expected drop in grade, while costs per ton remained stable.

A recent expansion of the mill entailed the recommissioning of a separate 400-ton-per-day circuit for the treatment of refractory ores produced from the 2,400-ft.-deep C-1 shaft.

The new circuit complements the daily production of 1,000 tons of free-milling ore from the 6,240-ft.-deep Robertson shaft.

Nerco Minerals, the previous owner, encountered considerable problems related to the refractory circuit. Extreme corrosion in oxygen and vent lines at the time pushed costs per ounce beyond US$1,000.

Miramar appears to have solved this problem, as evinced by the fact that mechanical availability in the refractory circuit has remained at 90% since startup in April.

Further savings are expected to result from the expansion of the Blue Fish hydroelectric facility to 7.5 from 3.5 MW. Trial operation of this enlarged station has begun.