Avino Reported On Bralorne Gold Mine

 

VANCOUVER - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. on the Bralorne Gold Mine located near Gold Bridge, British Columbia. "Since acquiring the Bralorne Gold Mine in 2014, the Company has been focussed on returning this historical gold mine to production while building long term relationships with the First Nations and local communities towards this common goal. Instead of taking a phased approach to the future re-opening of the mine, the Company is evaluating the possibility of combining the phases and potentially start the mine at a higher operating rate. A diamond drill program is being planned for the fall to define the resources for mining purposes and potentially expand the resources." The Company has reviewed three different potential scenarios for developing an operating plan.  The original phased plan was for the future start-up of a small tonnage operation, and during the course of work being completed, our onsite consultants have identified ground and safety issues in the existing 800 level tunnel.  It was determined that the 800 level needed rehabilitative work, and consultants were engaged to review and develop a plan for the repairs.  In view of the proposed repairs, which would have restricted mine throughput, the construction of a new tunnel on the 800 level, which was originally included in a later phase, is now being evaluated. The consultant's recommendations are to construct a new tunnel on the 800 level, due to the age and limiting size of the original main access tunnel,  which also has issues with difficult ground conditions.  The future construction of a new 800 tunnel should allow earlier access to the resources below the 800 level.

The recommended new 800 level tunnel would be sized for mechanized equipment (4.5 meters x 4.5 meters) for the long term development of the mine to depth.  It would be near the mill, and replace the old 800 tunnel (2.5 meters x 2.5 meters) which was only accessible by small track equipment.  The old tunnel would be made safe and would still be used for ventilation, secondary egress, and mine water drainage.

The proposed new mine plan also contemplates testing a different mining method, sub level long hole retreat mining on veins where the hanging wall, foot wall and mineralization are conducive to this method, which should be safer and more productive than the shrinkage and cut & fill mining methods used in the past.  Combined with the larger new tunnel, the mining operation should be more mechanized and efficient than in the past.

An underground drill program will be carried out this year to better define the resources above and below the 800 level.  Garth Kirkham, P. Geo., the Company's independent geological consultant for Bralorne, is designing a drill program.  The Company also plans to carry out a surface exploration program this year, consisting of mapping and trenching and possibly some drilling on its expanded ground position that now incorporates the contiguous BRX claims.  The program will be aimed at finding near surface veins that could provide early mill feed.