Sep 22 2017
Pretium Resources Inc. is pleased to report that the ramp-up continues to advance at the high-grade gold Brucejack Mine, and the mine is targeting steady state production for the end of 2017.
With the grade ramping up and the mill now exclusively processing stope ore, production of doré and flotation concentrate has increased. As a result of the increased production and the concomitant proceeds from the sale of doré and flotation concentrate, the Company is expected to achieve positive working capital by the end of this quarter.
All of the main operating units in the mill building are performing as expected, and the plant is consistently operating at nameplate capacity of 2,700 tonnes per day or better. Optimization of the gold recovery process is ongoing and the start-up issues encountered within the gold room have been addressed. The production of metallic slag has been eliminated. Gold recovery at the shaker table has significantly improved, and overall, gold recoveries are currently exceeding 95%.
Long-hole drilling is currently drilling off stopes at a rate of approximately 250 meters per day. Currently 7 stopes are operational, 3 stopes are available for drilling and an additional 24 stopes are in various stages of development.
Gold production for the third quarter is expected to be announced in October.
Lyle Morgenthaler, B.A.Sc., P.Eng., Chief Mine Engineer, Pretium Resources Inc. is the Qualified Person ("QP") responsible for Brucejack Mine development.