Gold mine study by Sth Cross

Press, 7 December 1981, Page 17

Gold mine study by Sth Cross

PA Auckland Southern Cross Minerals Exploration, Ltd, concentrated its 1980 effort into continued gold mine evaluation and development at Karangahape and further production from its tin areas in North Queensland. In the annual report for the year to March 31, the chairman. Mr M. R. Goodwin, said an application for water rights for exploration drilling and underground development at Karangahape had been granted. But the rights granted were subject to a number of

conditions, some of which had been appealed as being unreasonable and unnecessary. Despite the delays, the underground development programme was going ahead to facilitate access to all main levels above the water table. During the year the resident geologist. Mr P. D. Chesterfield, reported on the results of computer analysis of channel sample values extracted from original section data. This had significantly upgraded the indicated reserves in the Maria lode of the Talisman mine.

The next stage would be to prove sufficient high grade reserves to support a feasibility study for the commissioning of plant capacity. Writing about the company's tin prospects in north Queensland. Mr Goodwin said difficulties were experienced in increasing production to desired levels. Maintenance costs on plant have been substantial, and tailings disposal on increased throughput was aggravated by the inadequate siting of old dams by the previous joint-venture” partner, he said.