Hello Claude
this is very promising ( actually what we where waiting for- right?!)
Francisco chooses AMEC for El Sauzal feasibility study
Francisco Gold Corp FGX
Shares issued 16,355,425 Dec 14 close $6.76
Fri 14 Dec 2001 News Release
Mr. P. Randy Reifel reports
AMEC Simons Mining and Metals (AMEC) has been awarded the contract to
complete the final feasibility study for the El Sauzal gold project in
Chihuahua, Mexico. AMEC is a leading international engineering company
which has successfully worked on several open pit mining studies throughout
the world including Mexico. AMEC will be responsible for analyzing all the
preliminary engineering work, topographic mapping, data collection and bulk
sample metallurgical testing compiled by five subcontractors, and
finalizing the capital and operating costs for El Sauzal.
During the past year major engineering and consulting work for the
feasibility study has been undertaken by several international companies.
Golder Associates Inc. of Lakewood, Col., completed the geotechnical
reports for the plant site and tailing pond areas. Coopers Aerial Surveys,
of Phoenix, Ariz., digitized the aerial contour mapping on the entire plant
site and access routes. M3 Engineering and Technology Corp. of Tucson,
Ariz., performed preliminary engineering on the plant and crushing siting,
main road and power line routing as well as co-ordinating the work of the
other subcontractors.
McClelland Laboratories Inc. of Sparks, Nev., completed the bulk sample
metallurgy and laboratory tests for the milling operations and filter
tailings disposal. The final results from the bench scale metallurgical
evaluation exceeded the recoveries from the preliminary work. Bulk samples
representing three El Sauzal ore types and grade ranges were evaluated for
metallurgical variability, crushing, grinding indices and cyanide
consumption. A composite of 30 samples taken from the bulk samples were
tested from 75 mesh to 300 mesh and returned an average gold recovery
exceeding 95 per cent. The tests also indicated a coarser grind may be
considered as the samples were not sensitive to feed size with respect to
gold recovery or reagent requirements. In addition, laboratory studies were
conducted for flocculent screening, gravity sedimentation, vacuum and
pressure filtration. Positive test results received suggest that El
Sauzal's milling operation could incorporate a filter tailings disposal
method.
With the McClelland test results, AMEC will undertake an economic and
environmental study to determine the viability and cost advantages of
constructing either a conventional slurry tailings pond or filter tailings
disposal. Recent field studies have determined that the filtered tailings
would be disposed directly below the mill plant and the optimum tailings
pond location is two kilometres away. Major environmental studies including
flora, fauna and archaeological have been completed for mine permitting and
development.
At present, Mine Reserves Associates, Inc. of Golden, Col., is engineering
the open pit, mine plan and production schedule. Based on proven and
probable oxide reserves, of 1.65 million ounces at a gold grade of 3.47
grams per tonne, AMEC will finalize the capital and operating costs to
produce an average of 200,000 ounces gold per year over a minimum
7-1/2-year mine life. The feasibility study will meet the standard
acceptable to most financial institutions as well as the government and
regulatory agencies. The study is expected to be completed by the end of
the first quarter, 2002.
Michael Winn has stepped down from the company's board of directors for
personal and other career reasons. The board would like to thank Mr. Winn
for his support and contribution to the company.
(c) Copyright 2001 Canjex Publishing Ltd. stockwatch.com |
