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NorthWest Announces Updated Mineral Resource at Kwanika Reflecting Strategic Shift to Higher-Grade Copper-Gold Focus
Globenewswire· 2026-03-02 14:49
Core Viewpoint - NorthWest Copper Corp. has announced an updated mineral resource estimate for the Kwanika Central deposit, which is part of its 100% owned Kwanika-Stardust Project, aimed at supporting an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) targeted for mid-2026 [1][2]. Mineral Resource Overview - The updated mineral resource estimate includes: - Indicated Mineral Resource: 16.22 million tonnes (Mt) grading 0.63% Cu, 0.74 g/t Au, 2.0 g/t Ag, or 1.27% CuEq, totaling 226.6 million lbs of Cu, 383 thousand ounces of gold, and 1,035 thousand ounces of silver [5][7]. - Inferred Mineral Resource: 28.97 Mt grading 0.48% Cu, 0.63 g/t Au, 1.5 g/t Ag, or 1.05% CuEq, totaling 307.6 million lbs of Cu, 589 thousand ounces of gold, and 1,393 thousand ounces of silver [5][7]. Open Pit and Underground Resource Breakdown - Open Pit Mineral Resources: - Indicated: 8.99 Mt grading 0.55% Cu, 0.51 g/t Au, 1.8 g/t Ag, or 0.98% CuEq, for 109.5 million lbs of Cu, 148 thousand ounces of gold, and 512 thousand ounces of silver [5][8]. - Inferred: 9.18 Mt grading 0.33% Cu, 0.35 g/t Au, 1.0 g/t Ag, or 0.63% CuEq, for 66.1 million lbs of Cu, 104 thousand ounces of gold, and 300 thousand ounces of silver [5][8]. - Underground Sub-Level Cave (SLC) Mineral Resources: - Indicated: 7.23 Mt grading 0.73% Cu, 1.01 g/t Au, 2.3 g/t Ag, or 1.64% CuEq, for 117.0 million lbs of Cu, 235 thousand ounces of gold, and 523 thousand ounces of silver [5][10]. - Inferred: 19.8 Mt grading 0.55% Cu, 0.76 g/t Au, 1.7 g/t Ag, or 1.24% CuEq, for 241.5 million lbs of Cu, 485 thousand ounces of gold, and 1,093 thousand ounces of silver [5][10]. Mining Methodology and Future Plans - The updated resource estimate incorporates a top-down sub-level cave mining method, which is a first for this deposit, and aims to manage dilution through higher resolution mine designs and processing technologies [4][5]. - The company plans to advance the project towards the completion of a PEA by mid-2026, with expectations of demonstrating a more economically compelling project compared to the 2023 PEA [2][4]. Technical and Geological Context - The Kwanika Central deposit is located in a geologically favorable area known for hosting significant copper-gold porphyry deposits, with mineralization related to Jurassic intrusions [16][17]. - The project covers an area of 35,700 hectares and is situated 150 km north of Fort St. James in British Columbia [15]. Data Verification and Quality Assurance - The mineral resource estimate was prepared by SLR Consulting in accordance with industry standards, and the data used has undergone rigorous quality assurance and quality control procedures [20][23]. - Independent reviews confirmed the reliability of the sampling and analytical methods used in the resource estimation [25][26].
Red Pine Commences Focused Surface Drilling Program to Assess Potential for Near-Term, Open Pit Production
Globenewswire· 2025-05-08 11:00
Core Viewpoint - Red Pine Exploration Inc. is evaluating the potential for developing an early-stage open pit operation at its Wawa Gold Project in Ontario, driven by the current high gold price environment [1][2][4]. Group 1: Project Development - Management has initiated a review to assess the viability of near-term open pit production while continuing exploration of the Jubilee Shear at depth beyond the 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) [2][4]. - The Wawa Gold Project is positioned to capitalize on gold mineralization that extends to the surface, leveraging existing infrastructure and excess mill capacity in the region [2][6]. - The company is considering contract open pit mining with an off-site toll milling arrangement, which could provide early-stage cash flow to support the development of a larger operation [2][4]. Group 2: Drilling and Exploration - Red Pine is currently drilling with two rigs and has completed approximately 65% of a fully funded 25,000-meter exploration program, with 8,000 to 9,000 meters allocated for evaluating near-term open-pit potential [6][8]. - The near-surface drilling program aims to increase confidence in the 2024 MRE and extend gold mineralization within the crown pillars of former mines [6][8]. - The company plans to update the 2024 MRE following the completion of the 8,500-meter surface drilling program and is working towards a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) anticipated for completion in the first half of 2026 [8]. Group 3: Strategic Approach - The company is integrating additional shallow drilling to outline a path to potential near-term production while progressing through the provincial permitting process and engaging with Indigenous communities [5][8]. - Internal assessments guiding the strategy were based on a gold price of US$2,200 per ounce, supporting the feasibility of an open-pit operation with minimal initial capital requirements [8]. - The phased approach aims to unlock significant value for shareholders while reinforcing the company's commitment to responsible and sustainable resource development [5][6].