Wesdome Gold Mines will pour its one millionth ounce of gold at its Eagle River mine near Wawa on Dec. 5.
It’s short of two decades since the first gold brick poured in October 1995 from the mine, which has produced one million ounces of gold from 3.4 million tonnes at a recovered grade of 9.2 grams per tonne.
In a news release, Wesdome said the steady productivity and good grades from its flagship mine over the years has paved the way for the acquisitions of the Edwards Mine (1997-2002) and the Mishi Mine, which started production in 2002.
The grades and experienced work force, the company said, have protected operations during down cycles in gold prices.
Recent drilling success has identified additional high grade zones of mineralization at depth within range of existing mine workings. The company expects to release those results later this year.
The company adds it spends about $30 million annually with local and regional vendors.
“We look forward to continuing to prove up the future potential of the Eagle River mine and the exciting growth prospects there as well as the nearby Mishi mine open pit,” said company president-CEO Rolly Uloth in a statement.
