Dick & Sue Chambers Box 623 Invermere, VOA 1K0 “Teme epee oan. sme ee eee a So Le a” eee reeconemenoee me B.C. CASSIAR At an open public meeting at the Cassiar Rec Centre on September 13, before a less than capacity crowd, Cassiar Mining company officials were cautiously _ optimistic. Mine manager, W. Zemenchik, and President, J.C. O’Rourke, along with other officials, covered a variety of topics and concerns. Foremost was the news that Cassiar Mining has experienced the best year financially since the 1970’s. This was tempered by the fact that the company is heavily committed over the next few years both at Cassiar and at the Similkameen copper mine. Increased productivity and controlled operating costs were mentioned as a means of improving the profit NO7 tem aae reat CASSIARK MINING COR C.M.D. ON SCHEDULE © Canadian Mine Development personnel indicated this week that work at the underground site was pro- gressing smoothly. C.M.D., under contract to Cassiar Min- ing, are responsible for the developmental phase of the McDame underground deposit. The current project in- cludes enlarging of the vent drift from 8 ft. square to 16 ft. by 13 ft. This will serveas the main ventilation shaft, and is shown at the top of the diagram above. Present distance in is approximately 1000 feet. On the lower shaft Number 1415 the crew is in about 1700 feet. This is being enlarged to 11 ft. square. From this drift a conveyor decline will be added, which will drop 460 feet lower at the working face. The con- veyor decline will be connected to the drift above by a spiral ramp. When in production, ore will be transported by conveyor to a primary crusher at the portal before going down to the mill. C.M.D. had previously used a tunnel mole in their initial phase of development. It was found to be unsuc- cessful and the work now consists of drilling, blasting, and mucking it out. All areas considered unsafe are being reinforced with bolts and shot-crete as the work pro- gresses. C.M.D. are presently employing 35 people in their operation. This is to be increased substantially in the MEW YORI, 9, "79h staat lt tate argh MS, 2/98 i+ picture. As well, officials are hoping to find partners or users to share costs and increase the use of their present shipping and storage facilities at Stewart and Vancouver. The contract operation by C.M.D., as well as the wet milling project, were both discussed. Although the wet mill has developed more problems than at first anti- cipated, they are on schedule and will be increasing production in the new year. The accelerated mining project in the open pit, which has caused some concerns over the past few months, will continue. Consultants have been hired and are monitoring conditions in the pit. The excess ore is being stockpiled to provide a milling supply into 1990, during the transition into the underground operation. Plans are for the underground to begin operation in late isesninse 1563/1415 VENT. RAE ARSE SCI ESA SENSORS FE f. my Pets | MINE ISOMETRIC assiar Courie the Voice of Cassiar Country NOVEMBER 1988. 15° ~CASSIAR OFFICIALS OPTIMIS TIC 1989 and to be in full production by 1991. Employees voiced concerns as to the present hiring of short term employees, who will receive a bonus at the termination of employment in the pit operation. How- ever, company officials defended the policy, stating that these people are needed to close out the operation and are then on their own. Other considerations will be given to present company employees, including a proposed train- ing program for the underground operation, and the possibility of relocation to the open pit copper operation, as well as contacting other mining companies with a list of possible candidates. Improvements to the townsite were also discussed. Although vague at this time, there appears to be some strong possibility of action in this area. os PORATION - THE McDAME PROJECT | See TISCHLER. page- three -