NORTHWESTERN QUEBEC - MET-CHEM CANADA INC. has delivered a positive economic study for levels above 700 metres at the West mine of the Casa Berardi project, owned 100% by Vancouver-based AURIZON MINES LTD. A positive feasibility report draft is expected in early January 2005, subject to board approval before its expected release at the end of the month. Aurizon continues to work towards start-up in late 2006.
Progress to date on the mine includes the following. The shaft collar was completed in December 2004, on budget and on schedule. The foundations for the headframe and related surface infrastructure will be completed in early January. The ramp development for Zone 113 has reached the 570-metre level. The shaft pilot raise will be completed in mid-January. Detailed engineering has been completed for the Zone 113 head frame, related surface infrastructure and shaft. Tenders have been received for shaft sinking, headframe and steel work.
Aurizon also plans to release a scoping study in Q1 2005, laying out a plan to extend the initial mine life by mining the higher-grade mineralization below 700 metres in Zone 113.
For more information about the project visit www.aurizon.com or phone Aurizon president David Hall at (604) 687-6600 or 1-888-411-GOLD.
Comments