Barkerville test mining, milling better than expected

BRITISH COLUMBIA – Test mining and milling of 80,000 tonnes from Barkerville Gold Mining’ Bonanza Ledge zone resulted in a better than expected ore grade and solid mill performance. Bonanza Ledge is part of the company’s Cariboo property.

Mine grades were 7.05 g/t gold, compared to the planned 6.5 g/t. All ventilation, pumping and electricity is operating. Over 1,000 metres of development has been done, and ore can be mined at a rate as high as 2,000 t/d.

Mill recovery was on track at 91.6% rather than the hoped for 92%. Further improvements will include the recommissioning of a gravity circuit. The mill operated up to 800 t/d.

Barkerville has recovered more than 12,200 oz. of gold and there have been no lost time accidents since the beginning of the Bonanza Ledge project.