Bridging report for MCN 1645 and MCN 1646 covering the period 7 October 1987 to 31 December 2009

Abstract

MCN 1645 and MCN 1646 were originally applied for and granted to Carpentaria Exploration. They were subsequently transferred to Woodleigh Nominees Pty. Limited in September 1988 as part of a land trade which provide Carpintaria Exploration with additional land in the area of the Tom's Gully mine. In earlier times the area of MCN 1645 and MCN 1646 was worked by a Mr. Mick Connell who produced a small quantity of gold. These MC's are now referred to as 'Connell's'. These MCNs occupy the northern end of the reef system of the Francis Creek gold mine project area which at this point turns to the east. A series of costeans dug across the reef has established this fact on the surface. Alluvial gold has also been found on these tenements although the full extent of this resourse has not as yet been established. The Francis Creek Gold mine has been developed of a period of years by the Casey Family to a point where it is ready to go into production following the installation of a suitable treatment plant and the required underground services. The development work completed on site includes a 30m. shaft which connects with a 60m addit which was equipped with rails to transport ore which was stoped from the shaft. Approximately 50m vertically below this addit is a second addit (2.5mx2.5m) which extends 170m. approximately metres to intersect the ore body. Sampling across the ore body (1.5-1.8m) has given results of 6-10gms./tonne Au. During the course of this development work approximately 200oz. of gold has been produced This development work in 1991 was estimated by GeoPeko and Renison personnel to have a value in the order of $1M. together with the 5000? airstrip on site. The acquisition of finance for small mining projects is a difficulty faced by small miners across the world the author has been told. The closure of the Mt. Wells Battery was a severe blow to the small mining sector in the Pine Creek area. MCN 1645 and MCN 1646 represent a portion of the future ore reserves of the Francis Creek Gold mine. An estimated $100,000 worth of work has been done over the last twelve months by G.E.Casey and others in respect to the raising of finance to install a treatment plant and re-open the mine. Positive results are beginning to emerge which could see the mine re-opened in the next 12-18 months.