In light of the obstacles that 2020 has presented us all, GS Mining Company is pleased to announce that it has accomplished the following during the third quarter of 2020:
Bates Hunter Mine | Mine Infrastructure Update The Bates-Hunter mine has received a major shaft gear improvement and, for the first time since the creation of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) in 1977, is now certified to haul miners in the shaft. Up until this point, our only means of access to the underground workings was to descend wooden ladders (metal ladders would corrode too swiftly) into the depths of the mine. Now, riding a modern conveyance, miners can access the work areas and continue to rehabilitate the main shaft towards the 745 level. For the first time in modern history, the Bates-Hunter mine has a secondary egress, an MSHA requirement and precursor to mining. The water treatment plant has been operating flawlessly and we are now preparing to operate two continuous shifts to double the dewatering capacity and accelerate our rehabilitation to depth.
Bates Hunter Mine | Shaft
Water maintained at ~370’
Shaft guides installed to 330’
Shaft utilities – rehab/repair/relocate
Hoist rebuild
New babbit bearings on main and drive shaft
New electric drive motor and couplings
New electric drive and brake controls
Repaint frame and drum
Rebuild brake hydraulics
Successful hoist certification for human transport
Bates Hunter Mine | Surface Facilities
Restored Radial Arm Saw for underground timber cutting
Replaced main ventilation fan
Prepared surface explosive magazines
Bates Hunter Mine | 240 Level
Prep for connection by West Hunter shaft sinking crew
Connection to West Hunter shaft
Finalize timber support for stoped areas between Bates-Hunter and West Hunter shafts
Bates Hunter Mine | West Hunter
Break through, 8/9/2020
Completed 240 Level shaft station
Begin shaft survey
Golden Gilpin Mill | Mill Infrastructure Update
The Golden Gilpin mill received the overarching City of Black Hawk permit to operate as a mineral processing facility. This, with the existing State of Colorado permit paves the way for us to complete the modernization and rehabilitation of the plant equipment. The team has begun processing a limited capacity of material for metallurgical and environmental testing which has established the production of gold from the plant (and from the Bates-Hunter) for the first time in many decades. While operating the pilot plant, the staff is also restoring the flotation cells, the grinding circuit and preparing for work in the crushing circuit, concentrate handling equipment and tailings handling circuits.
Mill Equipment
Flotation Cell disassembly continues
Western Foundry flot cell test cast inspection
New tub for rake classifier constructed and installed
Pilot Mill
Replaced pilot crusher
Installation of Gemeni 60 table
Began size analysis
Generating material for flotation testing
Permit
Received approval for Special Review Use – Q2
Phase 2 building permit initiation
Minor Subdivision filed
Began final site plan, including stormwater, etc.
Clay County Mine | Update
The Clay County mine has had the portal extended an additional forty (40) feet outward with a modern corrugated metal pipe. Underground work has included cleaning and scaling the existing decline and crosscuts, installing ground support where necessary, installing compressed air and water lines and preparation for the construction of underground explosive storage magazines. Exploration, surveying and mapping have continued and we are preparing to evaluate the mineral resource available and plan for future mining. In all, we are thrilled to share our progress with you and look forward to more great news in the coming quarter and 2021!
Installed additional 40’ of portal culvert
Backfilled culvert
Installed final portal doors
500’ of air & water line installed
Underground ventilation bulkhead installed at Gold Ridge shaft
Preparing for installation of underground explosive magazines
Comments