QUEBEC - CAMPBELL RESOURCES of Montreal says the Merrill Island open pit copper mine is in operation, announcing at the same time plans to increase monthly production by 50% over the initial proposed rate. The Merrill Island mine is located in the Chibougamau mining camp, about 5 km from Campbell's Copper Rand mill.
The initial blast was fired on Oct. 6, breaking 45,000 tonnes of ore. The first ore from the project was milled on Oct. 15, 2007. Head grades have averaged 0.46% Cu, 0.48 g/t Au and 8.57 g/t Ag. Copper recovery is estimated at 90.0%, with a 17.4% Cu concentrate being produced.
Based on this success, Campbell plans to boost ore production to 27,200 t/month from 18,100 t/month.
In addition to producing copper concentrate, the Merrill Island mine is providing backfill for the Copper Rand mine. A paste fill plant is nearing planned capacity of 60 t/h.
The company's website is at www.CampbellResources.com.
Comments