Alexco Resource Corp. (TSX:AXR)(NYSE Amex:AXU) has reported on the progress of mill commissioning at the Bellekeno mine.
The concentrator is now running at design capacity and has produced silver/lead and zinc concentrates. By design, the initial commissioning has used low grade material to identify normal deficiencies and bottlenecks which have been systematically addressed. The current focus of mill operations is to optimize lead/silver/zinc recovery and to increase efficiency of the milling equipment and process flowsheet, and the grade of the ore being processed from the Bellekeno mine is now being progressively increased.
"It is notable that from the initiation of Bellekeno's mine development and mill construction, production has been achieved in less than a year. This success is a testament to the skill and dedication of Alexco's people and partners," commented Clynton Nauman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alexco.
Keno Hill Silver District History
Between 1921 and 1988, the Keno Hill Silver District produced more than 217 million ounces of silver with average grades of 40.5 ounces per ton silver, 5.6% lead and 3.1% zinc (Yukon Government's Minfile database). The historical production grades would rank Keno Hill in the top 3% by grade of today's global silver producers. The Keno Hill district is the second-largest historical silver producer in Canada.
The scientific and technical information about the Bellekeno project on which this news release has been based was prepared by Mr. Thomas Fudge, P.E., Vice President Development and Engineering for Alexco and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Source: Alexco Resource Corp.