Annual report, year one, Mount Wells EL 6176

Abstract

Drilling has shown lode systems at Mount Wells to be comprised of several parallel veins with a strong alteration zone of 20m width in the Main and West lode zones being ore grade. Coarser grained rocks show more alteration which is probably explained by primary porosity. There is a suggestion that major potential exists beneath siltstone cover to the north and this accounts for the assumed northerly plunge to the mineralisation. Copper and tungsten will form by-products in sectors of the mineralised system. From analysis of data the stripping ratio is greater than previously stated (ie 4:1 now between 6:1 and 10:1) and tonnages an order of magnitude larger. Two potential problems that exist with an open cut mine at Mount Wells are a) the intersection joints within the greywacke may form wedge failures dependant upon batter angle and orientation b) zones of weakness formed by kaolin-sericite alteration. These may be overcome by careful mine planning.