Timmins gold digger on solid ground after shakeup

Brigus Gold is looking to boost gold production at its Black Fox mine in Timmins.

In a Feb. 21 news release, the company is forecasting gold production numbers of between 77,000 and 85,000 ounces for 2012.

The Halifax-based miner went through a major management and administrative shakeup at Black Fox; bringing in a new mine manager, geology team and, more recently, a chief engineer, who starts work in early March.

An equipment and fleet review was done and the company ended up selling off surplus pieces and buying “appropriately-sized equipment, including several two- and three-yard scoops.”

Brigus said redundant administrative positions have been eliminated and tighter cost controls are in place through workforce reduction and renegotiation of contracts.

The company reports its gold grades from the underground mine are improving and high-grade tonnage is trending upward toward a level of 800 tonnes mined per day, which expected by the third quarter.

At the open pit, high-grade ore tonnage will be maintained between 1,000 and 1,200 tonnes per day. Once underground production reaches that magic 800 number, Brigus said it'll cut back on low-grade ore from the pit to feed the mill.

The mill “continues to operate well” with recoveries of between 92 to 95 per cent.

“Increasing production at Black Fox is our top priority and we are seeing results,” said Brigus president Wade Dawe in a statement.

The company reported gold production of 14,457 ounces, at an average grade of 2.66 grams per tonne, in its fourth quarter statement.