Strategic Expansion Initiative At PL Gold Mine

TORONTO – Minnova Corp. has moved forward to have a design for significant expansion of the PL Gold Mine’s current 1,000 tonnes per day (tpd) nameplate processing capacity. The current plan involves recommencing mining operations through open pit mining methods, with run-of-mine (ROM) throughput aligned to process plant’s nameplate capacity. On going work related to process plant refurbishment has recognized that the existing “front-end” crushing plant infrastructure potentially possesses capacity well in excess of 1,000 tpd.
Preliminary assessments of the primary Traylor Jaw and secondary Symons Short Head Cone crushers indicate that these robust components can support significantly higher volumes. Initial work on an expansion plan will consist of a Technical Audit & Capacity Analysis (“TACA”), including: 1) Crushing Audit – verify existing crushers can sustain a crushing rate to achieve minimum 2,000 tpd. 2) Motor/Drive Review – assess existing 100 HP motor on jaw crusher and 150 HP motor on the cone crusher to handle ore at increased throughput. 3) Choke Point Identification – assess existing dust collection, ore chutes and transfer point capacities. 4) Power Requirements – assess motor control center and transformer requirements at increased throughput rate.
Should the TACA assessment confirm the current crushing capacity exceeds 2,000 tpd, the expansion initiative will proceed to the Design & Engineering phase, with a target minimum ROM mill feed rate of 2,000 tpd. Achieving this goal will necessitate a comprehensive redesign of specific crusher plant processes, as well as the duplication of the following components: a) fine ore storage capacity, b) ore conveyor systems, and c) milling, gravity, flotation and concentrate leaching processes along with the existing Merrill-Crowe gold recovery circuit. All new equipment will be installed in parallel with the established infrastructure.
By doubling the processing plant ROM throughput capacity, Minnova aims to leverage existing infrastructure and dramatically enhance the project’s economics in the current high gold price environment. This expansion initiative reflects the Company’s commitment to maximizing the value of its existing infrastructure. The successful restart of the PL Gold Mine at a targeted 2,000 tpd throughput rate from open mining operations will position Minnova as a more significant gold producer, providing a robust operational foundation for the eventual transition to underground mining operations.