Osisko Mining Inc has placed an order for grinding equipment and ancillaries from FLSmidth, the leading technology and equipment supply company, for its 100% owned Windfall underground gold project located in the Abitibi greenstone belt, Urban Township, Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec.
The order consists of a 7.3 m (24 ft) diameter x 3.4 m (11 ft) long gear-driven semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill and a 5.2 m (17 ft) diameter x 9.4 m (31 ft) long gear-driven ball mill. Current planning foresees installation and operation of the grinding mills in a SABC configuration. The grinding mills have a capacity of processing up to 176.6 dry tonnes per hour, or 3,900 t/d based on 92% availability. The equipment is expected to be delivered to the Windfall project in the second half of 2022. Installation will follow pending successful receipt of all permits and authorisations.
John Burzynski, Chief Executive Officer of Osisko commented: “FLSmidth is a recognised global leader in grinding technologies with a long track record of providing high quality products, and we are looking forward to be working with them on our developing Windfall project. Securing these critical long lead time components of the grinding circuit is an important first step in solidifying detailed engineering for the Windfall plant. We continue to advance all aspects of work on Windfall including our environmental assessment and consultation with our host communities and look forward to additional near-term announcements regarding our infrastructure plans.”
The Windfall gold deposit is located between Val-d’Or and Chibougamau in the Abitibi region. On February 17 the company announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) as follows:
- M&I grade of 9.6 g/t Au continues trend of grade increase with infill program
- M&I ounces increased 54%
- Lynx represents over 60% of the total MRE ounces with average grades of 11.3 g/t Au Measured; 11.0 g/t Au Indicated; and 9.9 g/t Au Inferred
- Significant Lynx high-grade zones remain open to expansion down plunge
- Remainder of infill drilling is focused on Lynx with >30 drills
- Discovery and definition cost averages US$38/oz
- Deposit average of 4.5 oz Au defined per metre drilled
This MRE is based on drilling completed as of September 2020, and includes analytical results received as of November 30, 2020. Approximately 100,000 m of drilling has been completed since the above dates, with a further 200,000 m in progress and expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2021. A subsequent MRE for the Windfall feasibility study will follow the completion of the infill program.
John Burzynski, Chief Executive Officer of Osisko Mining, commented: “Located in Quebec, one of the worlds best mining jurisdictions, this MRE places Windfall among the best high-grade development projects globally. Apart from the infill program, additional drills are exploring down plunge extensions of Lynx, the nearby Fox trend, and targets along strike from the Windfall deposit. The Windfall exploration ramp is advancing towards the third bulk sample in Triple Lynx, and we have received authorisation to conduct test stopes in Lynx to optimise future mining parameters and grade distribution.”
Mineralisation occurs in three principal zones: Lynx, Main Zone, and Underdog. Mineralisation is generally comprised of sub-vertical zones following intrusive porphyry contacts plunging to the northeast. The resources are defined from surface to a depth of 1,600 m as it now includes the Triple 8 (T8) zone. The resources excluding T8 are defined from surface to a depth of 1,200 m. The deposit remains open along strike and at depth. Mineralisation has been identified at surface in some areas and as deep as 2,625 m in others with significant potential to extend mineralisation down-plunge and at depth.
