MEXICO — Water inflow continues to plague the Platosa test mine belonging to Excellon Resources of Toronto. The problem began on Oct. 4, 2008, and all underground activity was halted at the project in Durango. There were no injuries and the mobile equipment was removed. The mine is not very deep, but the company pointed out development lies below the local water table.
Excellon said it was already in the process of reviewing the mine hydrology and dewatering plans at the time of the flooding. Standard steps were taken to seal the inflow in the first week of November, but the concrete plug has developed some leakage as well. Until the plug can be reinforced, further mine dewatering is impractical. The company is now injecting more cement into the seal through two diamond drill holes, and will add a third hole if necessary.
Extra pump capacity has been installed on surface to speed dewatering when the plug is secure and to act as backup to the mine dewatering pumps. Excellon has also begun work on the mine water monitoring system recommended by its hydrology consultants.
Excellon explains its plans for the Platosa mine and mill on its website, www.ExcellonResources.com/operations.html.
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