Crescent Mine Nears Production

 

VANCOUVER, BC - SNS Silver Corporation continues to advance their holdings in the Silver Valley, Idaho. Based on a recently completed 43-101 resource calculation at the Crescent Mine, preliminary discoveries have been conducted for a scoping study and mine development planning. SNS' engineering team is considering several different scenarios in their effort to determine the most effective means of resource development. Additionally, talks have been initiated regarding a number of mills that would provide a mutually beneficial means of accommodating Crescent Mine ore.

SMS Silver President, David Greenway said, "We are very excited for the next phase of development at the Crescent Mine following a very successful exploration program. We not only discovered the South vein as renowned geologist Brian White theorized, but picked up a second resource on the Alhambra vein that has been mined at different locations since the turn of the last century. Historically the Alhambra vein has shown mostly moderate grade, however, it has the advantage of being on plane and above the main haulage level. We believe this vein can be mined very cost effectively. The South vein is our primary production target and lays app. 1000' to the south, nearly parallel to the Alhambra vein. The potential for the downward projection of the South vein remains high. The ability to develop two different ore bodies at the same time gives us a great advantage in expediting production and exploration tonnage."

Across the valley, care and maintenance of the Sunshine facility has been moving along productively with continuing inspections and certifications of personnel and equipment at the mine. The hydrant system, the fire tank and backup pump have all been tested in the case of an on-site surface fire at the facility. Fire extinguishers have been mounted in designated locations throughout Sunshine and Con-Sil surface facilities as well as the Sterling Tunnel. Electrical grounding checks required by MSHA CFR 30 57.12028 are currently underway at the facility. The underground communication to the Sterling Tunnel is tested frequently as well as checks on the Sterling Tunnel pump system, power and ventilation. Repair and maintenance of the batteries, chargers and the locomotives is being done as well.

The Jewell double drum hoist and the Jewell chippy hoist have each had their required semi-annual non-destructive wire rope testing completed. Inspection of the Jewell double drum clutch mechanism revealed a seized bushing (causing a loud squeal) in one of the activation arms. This problem was addressed and repaired within two shifts. The Jewell double drum is again operational with no other mechanical issues at this time. Lubricant has been purchased for the hoist bearings as there was no AW ISO 68 lubricant located on site. The Silver Summit hoist room remains in a very favourable atmosphere. The Silver Summit Hoist has been started periodically and moved slightly up and down to test the controls. No problems have been detected with the unit thus far.

The new Atlas Copco compressor being used at the Sunshine exhibited a flow problem in the cooling circuit. Investigation revealed a cooling system with no filtration in place between the cooling sump and the compressor unit. The cooling system began plugging up with debris and clogging the system inside the compressor. The cooling lines were flushed out and the compressor cooling units back flushed to clear the system. Filtration was immediately installed to protect the unit from overheating. The compressor is now running properly with no problems.

The company’s address is 1207-409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2, 604-689-0896.