The Edwards Mine is in the exploration and test mining phase with no mill or processing plant on site and no production decision made or planned.
Report context
This technical report, dated 2013, addresses the Edwards Mine property, which is currently in the exploration and development phase under Strike Minerals. The property has been de-watered to the 130 metre level, with the ramp extending to below the 280 metre level. No mill or processing plant exists on site, and no capital or operating cost estimates, economic analyses, market studies, or processing contracts have been completed or negotiated. All permits required for current underground work are in place.
Processing route
Historical processing
Historically, Edwards ore was processed at River Gold's Eagle River mill, achieving a 96% recovery rate. River Gold mined the Porphyry and Carbonate zones from 1996 through 2001, ceasing operations when the gold price fell below US$250 per ounce, after which the underground workings were allowed to flood.
Proposed processing approach
Strike Minerals has been in discussion with local gold mills to batch run Edwards ore. The company intends to mine ore for batch milling. No operational data on recoverability or amenability of Edwards ore to current processing methods at any local mills is available.
Testwork results
Recent tests conducted by Activation Labs indicate that a combination of gravity and flotation can achieve a recovery of 94.7%. This testwork represents the only contemporary processing performance data reported.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Historical gold recovery (Eagle River mill) | 96% | Historical operating data |
| Testwork gold recovery (gravity + flotation) | 94.7% | Activation Labs testwork |
| Mine de-watering depth | 130 metre level | Current operating status |
| Ramp depth | Below 280 metre level | Current operating status |
Project website: https://www.canadianminingjournal.com/news/gold-development-strike-minerals-secures-edwards-mine-financing/
Technical qualifications
The report states that no mill or processing plant exists on the Edwards Mine site. No operational data regarding recoverability or amenability of Edwards ore to current processing methods at local mills is known. No capital or operating cost estimates, market studies, or economic analyses have been performed. No production decision has been made or planned. The author is noted as not independent of Strike Minerals, having performed work on the property since 1988.
Source: Edwards Mine , 2013 Technical Report, Section 17 (Recovery Methods), Section 18 (Project Infrastructure), Section 21 (Capital and Operating Costs), Section 22 (Economic Analysis)
