Osisko Development says work at the Cariboo Gold Project near Wells has resumed.
It’s the first planned site activity since a tragic accident occurred at the surface back on January 22nd when one person was killed.
The company says a phased gradual reopening plan of surface and underground activities was successfully implemented over the last several weeks, in coordination with and approval from the relevant regulatory authorities.
There are currently over 250 personnel on site, reflecting normal operating levels for the current phase of work, supporting the advancement of pre-construction, early works and exploration drilling activities.
That includes a number of projects: Water treatment plant: Upgrades to the Bonanza Ledge water treatment plant that is now in the final stages, and is anticipated to be fully operational in the coming weeks.
Underground development: To date, approximately 2.1 kilometres of underground development has been completed from the existing Cow Portal into the Lowhee Zone, and along the main access ramp, through Lowhee fault, towards the Cow Mountain Zone. Development progress has been below plan while encountering challenging ground conditions in and around the Lowhee fault, requiring enhanced ground support. Development rates are expected to improve as the ramp advances beyond this zone.
Surface exploration: A total of six drill rigs are currently operating on two exploration programs. Three drill rigs are targeting exploration below the current extent of the Cariboo Gold deposit down to a depth of 1,000 meters. Approximately 5,000 meters of drilling have been completed to date, with assays pending. A second surface exploration program on the adjacent Proserpine regional target has also commenced with three drill rigs, and approximately 500 meters completed to date.
Surface Infrastructure: Construction of the waste rock storage facility, the sediment control pond, early works in the mine site complex area and other critical infrastructure continues.
Camp upgrades: The upgrade and expansion of the site camp to 266 rooms is complete and is expected to provide accommodation capacity aligned with peak construction manpower required for the Project.
The mine is expected to employ more than 600 workers during construction.
