ZINC-LEAD: Trevali to restart Caribou mine and mill in mid-2015

NEW BRUNSWICK – Vancouver-based Trevali Mining is preparing the Caribou zinc-lead mine and mill in the Bathurst Mining Camp for a restart by mid-2015.

Work at the mill remains on track to begin commissioning in Q1 2015 with a new 3,000-t/d SAG mill. The three IsaMills have been inspected and are ready for the restart. The zinc and lead flotation circuits have been cleaned and repaired, and a new copper circuit has yet to be built. Mill motors have been serviced and pumps have been refurbished or replaced where necessary. Extra pumping components have been sourced from the Brunswick No.12 mine and mill formerly operated by Xstrata. Meanwhile, the plant instruments are being refurbished.

Surface breakthrough of the new portal at the underground mine is anticipated in Q1 2015, reducing the surface haul distance to 100 metres. The surface crusher installation is in progress. Meanwhile, underground development is in place to support three years, or 600,000 tonnes, of mining. The ramp and level rehabilitation is 90% complete, and access to the first two production areas is 75% complete. Work at two other production areas are 40% to 50% complete. The main mine pumps are in place and have dewatered workings to 250 metres below surface. The paste backfill plant is being engineered.

Trevali says the Caribou deposit contains 7.23 million measured and indicated tonnes grading 6.99% Zn, 2.93% Pb and 0.43% Cu as well as 3.66 million inferred tonnes at 6.95% Zn, 2.81% Pb and 0.32% Cu.