Kootenay said Tlasa's work at the F Vein section, which will last about four months, will start with gaining access to the underground workings, before it begins dewatering the old mine.

Clearing and timbering of an adit (entrance to an underground mine) is underway to gain access to the main shaft, while a secondary inclined shaft will enable the task of dewatering and evaluating the old mine workings for rehabilitation. 

James McDonald, CEO & President, comments "Getting into the old mine workings and being able to see the F Vein in the old adit is a very exciting step forward for the Columba property and one more step closer to evaluating the resource and economic potential of the property. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in 40 years work within the mine has been conducted in the upper levels and likely 100 years since anyone was in the lower levels."

Detailed mapping and sampling will occur concurrently with rehabilitation work after safe and secure access to the F Vein is established. This mapping and sampling will aid in accurate modeling and resource, added the company.