With one more in a series of relevant news releases, Hudbay recently provided an overview of their reserves and resources. The March 28statement also noted that the Hudbay board has approved an early works program at their Rosemont project in the US.
In respect to Rosemont, Hudbay will begin a $US122 million early works program at the Arizona property and the minority joint venture process on the mine will begin shortly.
“By proceeding with early works and financing activities in parallel, Hudbay’s management expects to seek Board approval to commence Rosemont construction by the end of 2019; this would enable first production by the end of 2022,” Hudbay said in the release.
Closer to home, the Lalor mine, near the community of Snow Lake, achieved production of over 4,500 tonnes per day in February. In an earlier news release, the company announced an increase in mineral reserves and mineral resources for both the mine and nearby satellite deposits. The company expects Lalor annual gold production to more than double from current levels once the Snow Lake Mine mill is refurbished in 2022. “Average annual production of approximately 140,000 ounces is expected during the first five years, at a sustaining cash cost, net of by-product credits, of $450 per ounce, positioning Lalor as one of the lowest-cost gold mines in Canada,” read the release.
The updated resource model at Lalor provides the potential to extend the mine’s life beyond 10 years, while feeding both the Stall and Snow Lake Mine mills. Additionally, the company’s satellite deposits in the region could provide feed for Hudbay’s two area concentrators and extend mine life even further.
As well, Hudbay continues to drill on the recently announced discovery between the Lalor Mine and the old Chisel North property, and advises that they are encouraged by the mineralization intersected in recent holes.
There was also some good news in the form of a slight reprieve for Flin Flon’s 777 Mine. Based on the most recent estimate of mineral reserves, Hudbay advised that 777’s mine life has been extended to the second quarter of 2022, from the previously announced, end of 2021.
In other news, Snow Lake’s Chamber of Commerce recently held an executive meeting where past, current and proposed projects were discussed. The past items focused on were: the November Snowmobile Summit and its results, opening lines of communication with the Town of Snow Lake and Hudbay, and a social media workshop. The current projects included two signs that are to be placed at the north and south approaches to the turnoff to Snow Lake (Highway 39 at Provincial Road 392), and a town map that will denote the location of Snow Lake businesses and attractions. The proposed projects are another map that will show the area walking and biking trails, and an “in-town” campground.
Talk at the meeting immediately gravitated to the chamber’s upcoming trade show. Chamber treasurer Jill Arpin advised that all tables for the spring event have been booked and that it promises to be an outstanding affair. The trade show takes place on April 30 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and May 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In respect to the signs that will go up at the turnoff, the executive picked a slogan for the sign, based on member preference of numerous submitted slogans. The two signs will feature an aerial view of the community, they will measure 12 feet x 16 feet, and boast “Memories begin where the road ends, twenty minutes to paradise.” Work to secure the locations for these signs and have them manufactured is progressing.
In discussions surrounding the mapping of area trails, it was noted that many of them require brushing and upkeep, as well as an ongoing maintenance program. Members also mulled over the option of applying for grants to brush a large trail that circumnavigates the peninsula that the Sunset Bay subdivision and trailer court sits on.
Finally, two notable birthdays took place in the past week. Longtime resident Beverly Meuse was honoured on March 29, which was the 75th anniversary of her birth, in a small gathering of family and friends in the common room of her residence at the Golden Vista Block. And on Saturday, March 30, friends and family of pioneer resident Cathy Stabback (nee Stoltz) gathered in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #241 to celebrate her 60th year. The party was a surprise, but Cathy is pretty cagey and was sensing something “just not right” in rolling up to the Legion. Nevertheless, she was surprised to see son Jesse and wife Kristy who travelled in from Saskatoon. As well, son Rick, wife Stephanie and granddaughter Abigail were home from Thompson for the celebration, and daughter Sadie, husband Jordan and granddaughters Farrah and Jonah, who reside in Snow Lake, were involved in organizing the hoedown. Husband Ted, who had the toughest job of all – keeping the secret – did great till he got her to the door. A fun evening of socializing was enjoyed by all.
