Osisko Development is taking steps to prepare for site construction of the Cariboo Gold Project near Wells.
A spokesperson for the company provided an update saying “that includes commencement of an underground development drift (a tunnel made in rock) from the Cow Mountain Portal into the Lowhee zone, one of five ore zones that comprise the current known Cariboo deposit.”
The spokesperson says “this will allow them to optimize the mine plan, ensuring that it is most productive and efficient ahead of full scale mine development.”
They say the second purpose is to continue testing development tunneling using what’s called an electric roadheader, which allows for underground development without the use of explosives, where the rock type allows.
Osisko says during the bulk sample program, it will also test long-hole mining methods, confirm drilling, blasting design, grade control, and work towards optimizing the mine design.
The spokesperson says the third purpose of the drift is to allow the company to optimize ore sorting on a larger scale than previously tested on ore rock.
“The ore sorter technology, which uses XRT sensors (a form of x-ray scanning similar to those used in airport security), helps to reduce the amount of tonnage going to the milling complex by separating material that contains gold from barren rock.”
The spokesperson says these technologies altogether, along with the electrification of the mining fleet, will make the Cariboo Gold Project cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally sustainable than other mines in Canada.
The permitting process also remains on track and and is expected to be completed by the end of June.
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