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ZitatAlles anzeigenPress Release Source: Sterling Mining Company
Sterling Mining Begins Processing Ore Through Sunshine Mill
Friday September 28, 9:36 am ET
WALLACE, IDAHO--(MARKET WIRE)--Sep 28, 2007 -- Sterling Mining Company (OTC BB:SRLM.OB - News) (Frankfurt:SMX.F - News) today reported that its Sunshine Mine milling and concentrating facility is operational and has commenced processing Sunshine vein ore from the Mine's Upper Country development.
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Ore stockpiled from approximately 300 feet of drifting on a new portion of the Sunshine vein between historic Polaris and Sunshine Mine workings is being processed through the facility. This ore, accessed from the new Sterling Tunnel, was exposed during exploration cross-cutting in June and July. Sampling by Sterling's geologists indicates a vein grade of 33.7 ounces per ton silver over an average of 0.9 feet true vein width over the entire length of the exploration drift. A second cross-cut is being excavated to the west that will allow for drifting on an additional 400 feet of the vein structure. Drifting has also commenced in the Polaris cross-cut 1,000 feet to the east which is accessed by rail from the Silver Summit Tunnel.
The mill is currently using the # 3 ball mill to process ore while renovation of the # 1 and # 2 ball mills is being completed prior to forecasted resumption of production in December. A new conveyor system has been installed at the Jewell Shaft that allows introduction of Upper Country ores directly into the mill coarse ore bin.
"Having the mill once more operational achieves one of the key milestones in the process of returning the Sunshine mine to sustained production," said Sterling's General Manager, Mike McLean. "The mill crew has done a remarkable job in this effort. We are now able to process new upper country ore in batches of several hundred tons at a time."
The last remaining key milestone is rehabilitation of the Silver Summit shaft. So far, the shaft repair crew has completed work on and above the top shaft station and approximately 200 feet vertically down the shaft since re-commissioning the hoist on September 10th. Once rehabilitation of the Silver Summit shaft is complete to the 3000 level, the Mine's secondary escapeway, required by federal law, will be back in place. At that time, crews will restore utilities, re-establish repair shops, and move diesel-powered mining equipment underground.
Returning the Sunshine Mine to sustained production is forecasted for December with ore production from 3100 and 2700 level mining areas.
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