Harte Gold has received the final operating permits to start commercial production at its Sugar Zone Mine.
Located 25 kilometres north of White River, the underground gold mine has an indicated mineral resource estimate of 2,607,000 tonnes grading 8.52 g/t, for 714,200 ounces contained gold, and an inferred mineral resource estimate of 3,590,000 tonnes, grading 6.59 g/t, for 760,800 ounces contained gold.
The mine is expected to employ 200 people.
In a Sept. 20 news release, Stephen G. Roman, Harte Gold’s president and CEO, said receiving the final permits marked an important milestone for the company and credited the company’s team for their “dedication and persistence” leading up to this point.
“We are very pleased to announce the completion of commercial permitting and the beginning of full-scale operations at the Sugar Zone Mine,” Roman said.
“Mining operations are currently expected to run for 12 years and will support further resource expansion drilling in the immediate vicinity of the mine and the ramp up of property-wide exploration programs.”
The company said the mill complex is almost ready to be commissioned. Testing of the crushing and conveyance system is complete and water has been successfully circulated through the mill. The power line has been built to site and all electrical equipment has been delivered and installed. The company said it would connect to the grid and energize the entire Sugar Zone Mine site and mill complex this week.
“Underground development work continues to exceed targeted rates. For the month of July, 254 metres of development was completed, or 8.2 metres per day,” the release noted. “Development completed to date has opened up several areas in the Sugar Zone Deposit, particularly in the near-surface Upper Zone area, to provide early high grade stopes.
“The company continues to review and refine its mine plan to optimize operations.”
