West Red Lake Gold: Madsen Mine Restart Update
Thursday, Oct 31, 2024 3:36 am ET
2min read West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) has recently provided an update on the restart activities at the Madsen Mine project in Red Lake, Ontario. The Company is making significant progress towards its goal of a targeted restart in 2025, with multiple projects and goals being advanced simultaneously. This article will delve into the key aspects of the Madsen Mine restart, focusing on definition drilling, tailings dam lift, connection drift, and mine dewatering.
**Definition Drilling**
The Company has been drilling definition holes in the Austin, South Austin, and McVeigh resource areas since October 2023. Over 42,500 meters of drilling have been completed to date, outlining over 100,000 ounces of mineralization within stope-defined mining areas. This drilling has tightened average drill hole spacing from 20 meters to a target of six to eight meters, enhancing the accuracy of geological models. Key findings include intersections of 107.61 g/t Au over 2.5m at Austin and 106.99 g/t Au over 2.35m at McVeigh, demonstrating the high-grade nature of the deposit.
**Tailings Dam Lift**
The tailings dam lift project, completed ahead of schedule and under budget, is a critical part of the mine restart plan. The project increased the dam's height by 4 meters, creating enough additional capacity in the tailings facility to accommodate more than 5 years of mining at a rate of 800 tonnes per day. This ensures the mine's sustainability by providing sufficient storage for waste material, reducing the risk of environmental issues and potential closures.
**Connection Drift**
The Connection Drift project aims to connect the East and West ramps of the underground mine, previously independent portals. This connection will significantly enhance the mine's efficiency by reducing the distance mined material needs to travel to reach the mill. Currently, the ramps are independent and not connected, leading to substantial inefficiencies in material transport. The Company raised $10 million via Canadian Development Expense flow-through funds to finance this project, and dedicated project equipment, including an Epiroc Jumbo drill, has been brought on site. The drift was initiated in August 2024 and is expected to be completed by February 2025, with the project currently at 5% completion.
**Mine Dewatering and Evaporator Fans**
The mine dewatering and evaporator fans project, led by West Red Lake Gold, aims to extend the mine's operational depth and access potential mineralization. By lowering the water level, the project enables mining in deeper areas, potentially uncovering new resources. The installation of evaporator fans increases the holding capacity of the polishing pond, easing pressure on the water treatment system, particularly during the spring when natural water levels rise. This long-term investment in dewatering infrastructure ensures the mine's sustainability and maximizes its resource potential.
In conclusion, West Red Lake Gold's Madsen Mine restart activities are progressing well, with multiple projects underway to ensure a sustainable and efficient mining operation. The Company's focus on definition drilling, tailings dam lift, connection drift, and mine dewatering demonstrates a commitment to operational readiness and long-term success. As the Company moves towards its goal of a targeted restart in 2025, investors should closely monitor the progress and potential opportunities that arise from these strategic initiatives.
**Definition Drilling**
The Company has been drilling definition holes in the Austin, South Austin, and McVeigh resource areas since October 2023. Over 42,500 meters of drilling have been completed to date, outlining over 100,000 ounces of mineralization within stope-defined mining areas. This drilling has tightened average drill hole spacing from 20 meters to a target of six to eight meters, enhancing the accuracy of geological models. Key findings include intersections of 107.61 g/t Au over 2.5m at Austin and 106.99 g/t Au over 2.35m at McVeigh, demonstrating the high-grade nature of the deposit.
**Tailings Dam Lift**
The tailings dam lift project, completed ahead of schedule and under budget, is a critical part of the mine restart plan. The project increased the dam's height by 4 meters, creating enough additional capacity in the tailings facility to accommodate more than 5 years of mining at a rate of 800 tonnes per day. This ensures the mine's sustainability by providing sufficient storage for waste material, reducing the risk of environmental issues and potential closures.
**Connection Drift**
The Connection Drift project aims to connect the East and West ramps of the underground mine, previously independent portals. This connection will significantly enhance the mine's efficiency by reducing the distance mined material needs to travel to reach the mill. Currently, the ramps are independent and not connected, leading to substantial inefficiencies in material transport. The Company raised $10 million via Canadian Development Expense flow-through funds to finance this project, and dedicated project equipment, including an Epiroc Jumbo drill, has been brought on site. The drift was initiated in August 2024 and is expected to be completed by February 2025, with the project currently at 5% completion.
**Mine Dewatering and Evaporator Fans**
The mine dewatering and evaporator fans project, led by West Red Lake Gold, aims to extend the mine's operational depth and access potential mineralization. By lowering the water level, the project enables mining in deeper areas, potentially uncovering new resources. The installation of evaporator fans increases the holding capacity of the polishing pond, easing pressure on the water treatment system, particularly during the spring when natural water levels rise. This long-term investment in dewatering infrastructure ensures the mine's sustainability and maximizes its resource potential.
In conclusion, West Red Lake Gold's Madsen Mine restart activities are progressing well, with multiple projects underway to ensure a sustainable and efficient mining operation. The Company's focus on definition drilling, tailings dam lift, connection drift, and mine dewatering demonstrates a commitment to operational readiness and long-term success. As the Company moves towards its goal of a targeted restart in 2025, investors should closely monitor the progress and potential opportunities that arise from these strategic initiatives.
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