Mining News: Northern Neighbors: Golden Predator pours gold, significantly upgrades 3 Aces

Golden Predator Mining Corp. Aug. 18 reported results from initial processing of its winter 2016 bulk sample program from the Ace of Spades Vein (formerly Sleeping Giant Vein) at its 3 Aces gold project in eastern Yukon Territory. A total of 87.83 dry tons (79.7 dry metric tons) from a stockpile estimated at 750 tons was processed through July 12. Concentrate recovered from the shaker tables, a gravity method of recovering gold, recovered 81.408 troy ounces of fine gold and 7.771 troy ounces of silver when poured into a doré bar. The company netted C$139,062.45 from the sale of the doré bar. Golden Predator said a significant amount of gold remains in the middling concentrate, which will be recovered through additional third-party processing at a later date. The processing plant experienced good operational productivity from both the jaw crusher and shaker tables. The hammer mill, however, has restricted throughput. After further investigation, Golden Predator said it has elected to significantly upgrade its processing equipment in an effort to optimize sample throughput and gold recovery. To this end, the company has received a rod mill and expects to receive twin 16-foot sluice boxes, a magnetic separator and clean-up table as well as a screen and pump. The new plant design and equipment is intended to provide better recovery, cleaner concentrates and an increased throughput capacity of about 25 tons per day. Plant renovations have begun and are expected to be completed within the next few weeks. Once the new circuit is operational the remaining bulk sample will be processed. The bulk sample program is intended to provide important metallurgical information, while deferring potential shareholder dilution. In addition, Golden Predator said it has received all necessary permits for the construction and operation of a clear span bridge across the Little Hyland River at 3 Aces. The already assembled bridge was purchased in Watson Lake and has been transported the roughly 240 road-kilometers (150 miles) north to 3 Aces. This bridge will provide cost-effective, year-round access to the Aces of Spades Vein, Aces of Hearts Vein and the Jack of Spades Vein as well as the other 16 soil anomalies present across the central core area of the property. In addition to saving on helicopter-supported exploration costs, the bridge provides year-round access and the use of heavier equipment including reverse circulation drill rigs, service trucks, and bulk sampling equipment which are largely unavailable by helicopter support. “I am extremely pleased at the collective team approach across the Yukon agencies and our staff in the permit review and approval process, which has been completed ahead of schedule. Most important, this would not have been possible without the assistance of the Kaska Nation, represented by the Ross River Dena Council and Liard First Nation. We could not have made these timelines without their ongoing support,” said Golden Predator CEO Janet Lee-Sheriff.

-Shane Lasley