Canadian Zinc Corporation (TSX:CZN)(OTCBB:CZICF) has announced that it has engaged SNC-Lavalin Inc., of Vancouver to carry out a Feasibility Study on the Prairie Creek Mine.
The general scope of the Feasibility Study will include the following:
- Detailed Engineering and Design, including mining equipment, on-site and off-site infrastructure, transportation and logistics;
- Construction Schedule and Execution plan;
- Capital and Operating Cost Estimates.
A number of key aspects of the Study will be integrated into the Feasibility Study through the continued participation of subcontractors including;
SNC is experienced in the design, development and delivery of mining, processing, tailings, infrastructure and transportation facilities and some SNC personnel have had involvement in the Prairie Creek Project for several years. SNC also has experience in designing and constructing mine projects in the Northwest Territories.
The 100% owned Prairie Creek Mine, in the Northwest Territories, is currently in the advanced stages of Environmental Assessment by the Mackenzie Valley Review Board. With the Environmental Assessment nearing completion, the major operational parameters that will factor into the project implementation are now being determined and this presents the opportunity to evaluate the capital costs and financial analysis through the completion of the Feasibility Study, in anticipation of arranging construction and working capital financing.
It is expected that the Feasibility Study will be completed by end of 2011.
Background
A substantial amount of technical data has been accumulated on the Prairie Creek Project, dating back to before the completion of the original Prairie Creek Definitive Feasibility Study by a former subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin in 1980.Subsequent to this formal report numerous other technical and economic studies have been carried out while exploration of the property continued. Over the course of the last two years SNC has been assisting the Company with various aspects of project planning and design as part of the ongoing Environmental Assessment process.
The Prairie Creek minesite currently contains significant infrastructure including an almost completed 1000 tonne per day mill concentrator, a two story administration building, and workshops, 3 levels of underground development, accommodations and fuel storage facilities. This existing infrastructure is an important aspect of the Project and, while requiring some upgrades, substantially reduces what would otherwise be the capital cost of putting the Prairie Creek Mine into production.
The current Measured and Indicated Resource is capable of supporting a mine life in excess of fourteen years at the planned initial rate of 600 tonnes per day, which will increase to 1,200 tonnes per day, and the future inclusion of Inferred Resources is expected to extend the mine life to at least 20 years.
Prairie Creek Mine
Canadian Zinc's principal focus is to advance the Prairie Creek Mine towards production.
The Prairie Creek mineral deposit contains substantial quantities of zinc, lead and silver The Prairie Creek Property hosts total Measured and Indicated Resources of 5,840,329 tonnes grading 10.71% zinc, 9.90% lead, 0.326% copper, and 161.12 grams silver per tonne, a large Inferred Resource of 5,541,576 tonnes grading 13.53% zinc, 11.43% lead, 0.514% copper and 215 grams silver per tonne and additional exploration potential. [Technical Report October 2007, Minefill Services Inc Dr. David Stone and Stephen Godden, Qualified Independent Persons.].
The proposed development and operation of the Prairie Creek Project is currently undergoing Environmental Assessment by the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board, and it is expected that the EA process will be completed by mid 2011.
Source: Canadian Zinc Corporation