NORTHWEST TERRITORIES - Vancouver-based NORTH AMERICAN TUNGSTEN says its CanTung mine and mill 310 km northeast of Water Lake have reached commercial production. During February 2006, the mill is treating 910 tonnes/day of material averaging 1% WO3.
Recent changes in the mine were made to improve overall operating efficiencies. A rebuilt two-boom electric-hydraulic jumbo and a scissor lift have been put into service. Long-holing has been introduced for pillar recovery; and elsewhere in the mine, cut and fill mining continues.
Changes in the mill have boosted efficiency there, too. The mill has been modified to produce a single concentrate grading 65% WO3, instead of separate gravity and flotation products. The installation of new programmable logic controllers on pumps and flow lines has upped tungsten recovery by optimizing tonnage. Derrick screens are replacing the older units for more effective operation and lower maintenance costs.
A 3.3-MW Caterpillar generator, with reduced servicing needs and lower fuel consumption, was commissioned this month. The mine now has a total power availability of over 7.0 MW.
Learn more about the western world's largest tungsten producer at www.NATungsten.com.
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