Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Pretium prepares for Brucejack gold mine start

Pretium Resources Inc. Dec. 15 reported that the proven and probable reserves at the Valley of the Kings deposit of its Brucejack gold mine project in northwestern British Columbia has increased to 15.6 million metric tons of ore grading 16.1 grams per metric ton (8.1 million ounces) gold. This includes 3.3 million metric tons of proven reserves averaging 14.5 g/t (1.6 million oz) gold, enough ore for the first three years of production at this developing underground gold mine. With construction and development on schedule, Pretium continues to anticipate the commissioning of the Brucejack Mine in mid-2017. Following the full enclosure of the mill building in October, internal construction has progressed significantly. Nearly half of the internal structural steel is now complete and more than 80 percent of the concrete has been poured. All major equipment continues to be delivered according to schedule. Electrical and mechanical contractors are now on site, and electric and piping installation has been initiated in the mill and underground. The 57-kilometer transmission line feeding power to Brucejack is more than 75 percent complete and is expected to be fully energized early next year. The main portal access for the Valley of the Kings has broken through to surface and the steel structure of the portal building is under construction. The portal will serve as the primary access point to convey the gold ore from the underground crusher to the mill. Roughly 30,000 metric tons of ore has been stockpiled in preparation for mill commissioning expected to start in mid-2017. With Brucejack nearing production, Pretium has realigned its senior leadership talent to support the next phase in the company's growth. Effective Jan. 1, Pretium Chairman and CEO Robert Quartermain will become executive chair and Joseph Ovsenek, who has been managing Pretium’s daily operations since being appointed president in 2015, will assume the role of president and CEO.

-Shane Lasley