Recent Operating Developments
- Hoisting improvements implemented, hoisting increased in the fourth quarter
- Over 135,000 tons of ore stockpiled on surface; over 190,000 tons of stope ore ready to mine
- Unexpected bottlenecks encountered in process plant systems are being mitigated
- Third ore pass and temporary use of ore bin from new life-of-mine (“LOM”) ore handling system provides material handling capacity to meet plan until underground crusher is installed
- Paste plant fully commissioned
- LOM fuel, paste lines in progress
- LOM dewatering system in place
- Development contractor ramping up development and expected to meet targets
Operational Status
As noted above, several key milestones have been achieved across many aspects of the mine, including completion of critical LOM projects and restart of all significant operations, however, key fourth quarter operational targets were not met. The following challenges impacted our progress in the fourth quarter:
- Underground dewatering – A build-up of water underground from increased development activities prior to completing the Geho dewatering pump project, caused several delays in progress including hoisting, capital projects construction, development and operations. The Geho pumps were successfully commissioned in
November 2023 , doubling pumping capacity, and all efforts were focused on removing the water from critical areas of the mine, which has now been cleared. Smaller pockets remaining are not expected to impact progress on stope mining or other development activities going forward. Full hoisting capabilities resumed inDecember 2023 and, with commissioning of the Geho system and additional surface infrastructure in place, we should now have sufficient pumping capacity to manage any temporary surges that are encountered. Additionally, we are implementing water reduction strategies including grouting programs to help reduce water inflows to mining areas. - Ore handling – Completion of the ore handling portion of the underground crusher and ore handling system and a third ore pass in late 2023 has provided additional ore handling capabilities. Material handling is being routed through three existing ore passes and the recently completed ore handling facility noted above. Automation improvements to the hoisting system were made in December to increase reliability and consistency in operations with the expectation that further increases in hoisting rates would be achieved. Hoisting rates in January have improved dramatically, having achieved a daily record of 4,475 tons. Stope mining is planned to resume in
February 2024 and ore handling and hoisting capabilities are expected to meet underground material deliveries and process plant operations. - Process plant – The mill restarted in
October 2023 and operated intermittently throughout the fourth quarter of 2023. The milling and flotation circuits operated well, achieving expected recoveries during periods of stable operations, however, unanticipated bottlenecks were encountered in the thickener and tails filter presses that caused repeated mill shutdowns. With the assistance of a technical consultant, upgrades to the filter presses, thickener equipment and operating protocols were made through December and into January. The second phase of the paste plant that delivers thickened tails directly to the paste plant has been fully constructed. Commissioning of the second phase is planned for February as stope mining resumes. Approximately 40-45% of the thickened tails will bypass the filter presses and go directly to paste plant in full operation, reducing the operational demand on the filter presses.
Life of Mine Infrastructure
In addition to the completion and commissioning of the Geho dewatering system and the second phase of the ore handling system, other LOM infrastructure improvements include the drilling of a new fuel delivery hole, drilling of a second paste hole that will provide life-of-mine paste delivery for
Financing Matters
Considering the unexpected challenges described above, the Company has generated lower sales through the ramp-up process than previously anticipated, negatively impacting financing requirements. As previously disclosed, the Company has fully drawn
The Company requires additional financing in order to complete the ramp-up of the
Exploration Opportunities
As previously reported, the Company completed its 2023 drill program with a total of 11 holes (3,305 feet) drilled on the
Qualified Person
The technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed by
About
President & CEO
For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:
tthom@nevadacopper.com
+1 775 391 9029
Cautionary Language on Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the ramp-up and restart of operations at the
Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information should not be read as guarantees of future performance and results. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and events to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.
Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those relating to: the need for additional capital and no assurance can be given regarding the availability thereof; the ability of the Company to complete the restart and ramp-up of the
The forward-looking information and statements are stated as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information and statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Specific reference is made to “Risks and Uncertainties” in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis in respect of the year ended
The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.
Source:
2024 GlobeNewswire, Inc., source