Apr 19 2016
Pretium Resources Inc. ("Pretivm" or the "Company") is pleased to report on the progress of site construction activities at its high-grade gold Brucejack Project located in northwestern British Columbia. Construction and development remains on-schedule and on-budget for commissioning of the underground mine in mid-2017.
Camp Installation
The foundation for the 330-person camp at Brucejack is substantially complete including the installation of structural steel over the cast concrete pedestals. The first prefabricated modules for the camp have been mobilized to site, and installation of services to the camp site is nearing completion. The permanent camp is expected to be operational early in the third quarter of this year.
Mill Facility and Portal Excavation
Excavation to level the site for the mill facility has been completed, and the concrete contractor has mobilized to site. The concrete and aggregate plants are operational and concrete works have commenced.
The structural steel installation for the mill building is scheduled to commence late in the second quarter, with full enclosure of the mill building expected in the third quarter. Installation of internal structural steel and mechanical equipment will commence prior to full enclosure. The SAG and ball mills are scheduled to arrive on site in the third quarter.
Additionally, surface excavation for the Valley of the Kings portal pad has commenced. The portal will serve as the primary access point to convey the gold ore from the underground crusher to the mill.
Underground Development
Underground development remains on schedule and crews are advancing at a rate of over 20 meters a day. Current underground activity at the Valley of the Kings includes excavation of the 1260-meter level ramp, development of the 1320-meter level, and installation of ladderways and platforms in the fresh air raise.
Underground work is also focused on the excavation of headings for infrastructure including the conveyor ramp, main sump, access to the second vent raise, explosive magazines, fuel bays, paste booster pump station, West Zone portal bypass, 1335-meter level crusher dump, 1300-meter level access pilot drift and pilot raise for the coarse ore bin.
Transmission Line
The transmission line contractor has mobilized to site and has commenced civil work preparation. The towers have begun arriving from the fabricator and installation will be ongoing throughout the spring and summer, with connection to the BC Hydro power grid expected in the fourth quarter.
To view updated photos of the construction progress please see the following link to the Brucejack construction photo gallery on our website: www.pretivm.com/photo.
Ian I. Chang, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Vice President, Project Development, Pretium Resources Inc. is the Qualified Person ("QP") responsible for Brucejack Project development.