SALVADOR, Brazil (miningweekly.com) – Toronto-based precious metals project developer Kerr Mines has started to dewater its flagship Copperstone mine, in Arizona, in the US.
The TSX-listed firm plans to rehabilitate and restart production at the mine, which previously produced nearly half-a-million ounces of gold through openpit mining.
"We are firmly focused on restarting operations at Copperstone. Completing the dewatering activities will represent a major catalyst in our efforts to unlock Copperstone's potential value,” stated interim CEO Chris Hopkins.
He noted that the company had also started developing an exploration and underground development programme.
The Copperstone project has considerable existing infrastructure comprising a power line and substation, as well as three water wells, offices, maintenance shops, a laboratory building, a permitted tailings facility, a processing facility and mill, all sufficient for the proposed Copperstone restart.
This will also aid in reducing the initial capital outlay to get things started, the company advised.