In early 2012, SIRG hired Paul C. Rizzo & Assoc. to evaluate the mine, prepare a new MPO and navigate the permitting process through the BLM office in Kingman. A new heap leach pad and pond were designed by them.
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They visited the site for a hands-on evaluation and reviewed the previous reports, including the seismic survey done by Arimetco. All the core drilling samples are stored at the mine and available for examination.
Their conclusion is:
The reserves are higher than previously estimated. The existing ore below the current bench levels from 3695 to 3420 values known between 3420 and 3310 could add another 13M lbs. Many holes were abandoned with higher than cut-off grade Cu values in and around the existing pit. Their continuation at depth could prove additional resources.
Based on the forgoing, it is safe to assume that the current known resources would provide a minimum of 50M lbs of ore ; at 5Mlbs/annum, that would support a 10 year mine life.
