Fronteer Initiates Permitting For Underground Access
VANCOUVER, BC - Fronteer Development Group Inc. reported that permitting is underway for a 280-metre decline to access the deeper extension of its 100% owned Northumberland gold deposit in Nevada. The company is committed to advancing the Northumberland project towards feasibility and the development of an underground decline is a necessary step in gathering data to achieve this goal.
The decline will provide access for:
- Development of ramps and drifts for an exploration drill program to better define the grade and continuity of mineralization, particularly in the areas where surface drilling has intersected high-grades.
- Metallurgical sampling for continued process development work, as well as metallurgical bulk samples for pilot testing.
"Northumberland has a large resource with good grade and an even better address," says Troy Fierro, Fronteer Chief Operating Officer. "However, the project has never received the dedicated attention or comprehensive work commitment necessary to assess its full potential. Unlocking the value of this undeveloped Carlin-type deposit is a key component of the company's growth strategy in
Among the engineering and design work completed for the state permit applications, two hydrogeological test holes were drilled. The holes confirmed the groundwater elevation is below the level of the decline target area. Samples collected for waste-rock characterization tests have indicated that the waste rock will be non-acid generating. The initial hydrogeological model indicates dewatering and water treatment will not be an issue for the decline and planned development.
It is anticipated that permitting for the decline will take approximately nine months during which time the company will develop a detailed schedule for underground drilling, metallurgical sampling, data evaluation and economic analysis. A regional exploration program based on new geological modeling is also being developed.
The Northumberland gold deposit is located entirely on private lands owned by Fronteer. Gold mineralization at Northumberland is characterized by a stacked sequence of three broad mineralized envelopes hosting a number of high-grade shoots and lenses, many of which exceed 20 metres in thickness. Detailed drilling from underground is anticipated to enhance the confidence level in the distribution and continuity of grade to support ongoing advancement of this project.
Northumberland is a successful past producing gold mine, having produced between 200,000 and 300,000 ounces from oxide and mildly transitional ores via run of mine and crushed ore heap leach operations. Gold production ceased in 1991 due to low gold prices.
Northumberland has an indicated resource of 36.5 million tonnes at 1.92 grams per tonne gold (2,259,000 ounces gold), and an additional inferred resource of 6.9 million tonnes at 3.49 g/t gold (776,000 ounces gold).
The company’s address is