Foran Mining (TSX: FOM) has shared a construction update for its 100%-owned McIlvenna Bay copper-zinc mine as it moves toward initial production in the fourth quarter next year. The project is located in Saskatchewan, about 65 km west of Flin Flon, Manitoba.
McIlvenna Bay is host to the largest undeveloped volcanogenic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposit in the region. A feasibility study produced in 2022 envisioned an underground mine with a life of 18 years based on current reserves.
The operation will use long-hole mining methods with a 4,200-tonne-per-day mineral processing plant. The plant will employ semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) and ball milling, followed by conventional flotation to produce both copper and zinc concentrates.
Average annual production will be 34.5 million lb. of copper and 58.6 million lb. of zinc, plus 17,500 oz. of gold and 435,200 oz. of silver, equating to 65.4 million lb. of copper equivalent.
Construction progress
Foran says approximately 343 metres of underground lateral development were completed in October, the greatest monthly advance to date. Excavation of the main ventilation fresh-air raise is underway with a focus on permanently sealing the sandstone layer to prevent water ingress into the raise.
Construction of the concrete floor for the underground battery-electric vehicle (BEV) charging bay was being completed on the 60-metre level. The pad for the temporary underground maintenance shop was completed.
October also saw progress on the foundation formwork and rebar installation for the mill building, and the SAG mill shells, heads and trunnions were installed. The shell of the ball mill was also mounted. Staging and pre-assembly of some of the structural steel for the plant were underway.
Elsewhere on the surface, the heavy equipment maintenance shop got its concrete floor, structural steel and crane bridge installed. The under-pad earthworks for the waste rock and ore pad expansion was finalized, and placing the liner and topsoil layer was begun.
Source: MINING.COM – Read More
