Tailings reprocessing projects could extend life of mine

A tailings reprocessing project could breathe new life into the Barrick Golden Sunlight Mine near Whitehall.

At last week's Community Transition Advisory Committee Meeting, Steve Lloyd said the TSF 1 and 2 Tailing Projects are gaining lots of traction, adding they will be meeting soon with Barrick officials to get a yes or no answer on moving forward.

According to Lloyd, the TSF 1 project could produce more than 200,000 ounces in 12 years and both projects could last between 30 and 32 years.

Lloyd told committee members if the projects are approved, the employment at the mine would be similar to the current number. At the meeting, Mine General Manager Dan Banghart reported there are currently 49 Barrick and the equivalent of 22 full time contract employees at the site. Mine officials reported earlier this year a reduction in force will take place at the mine at the end of September. Underground mining came to an end in late April.

Lloyd discussed the possibility of using hydraulic mining for the tailings project as well as traditional mining, adding they be doing a test pit soon.

He added the mine would need to get a new permit for the tailings reprocessing.

Banghart said after looking at the financials for the proposed Apex project, that is not something that is going to be on their horizon and it is going to put in on the shelf for the time being.

Lloyd said the TSF 1 and 2 projects actually have more ounces of production anticipated then the Apex Project.