PRESS RELEASE: Approximately 1,200ft (366m) of new exploration drift is planned to be completed in the first phase of the programme at Copperstone mine. This drift will provide first-time underground drill access to facilitate further definition of the parallel Footwall Zone and to enhance the existing resource in the Copperstone Zone.

The new underground drift will be accessed from existing workings and will extend mine access drifting by approximately 1,200ft to the southeast, along the strike of the Copperstone Zone. This access is placed between the Copperstone Zone and the parallel Footwall Zone, giving exploration and development drilling access to both zones. The drift is strategically placed in the footwall of the Copperstone Zone, to provide access for potential future mining.

The objective of the exploration drilling is to continue to build from prior successful drilling results in the Footwall Zone, which has indicated similar attitude, rock type, alteration, width and grade as is seen the Copperstone Zone. It is also designed to increase the resource confidence level of the Copperstone Zone along strike and increase its down dip extension. 

Martin Kostuik, president of Kerr Mines, commented: “DMC Mining Services, our mine development contractor, has done an excellent job of preparing for this work. All of their equipment has arrived at the Copperstone mine site and they will be commencing mining by the end of the week. 

“The access to drilling that the drift will provide is an investment in the current 2017 Copperstone exploration and resource enhancement programme, and is an investment in the future development of this former producing mine. 

“The 2017 Copperstone exploration and development programme is the cornerstone of the forthcoming pre-feasibility study and is a key component to the strategy of advancing the Copperstone mine project towards a production decision.”