Refugio (100% ownership and operator) - Chile
The Refugio open pit mine is located in the
Maricunga Mining District in central Chile, approximately 120
kilometers east of Copiapo and is situated between 4,200 meters
and 4,500 meters above sea level. Kinross acquired its original
50% interest and became operator of the mine through the Kinam
Merger on June 1, 1998. In February 2007, Kinross acquired the
remaining 50% to become 100% owner of the Refugio property
through the acquisition of Bema Gold Corporation.
Commercial production began on October 1,
1996. In 2001, due to low gold prices and operational
difficulties, mining activities were suspended and the operation
was placed on care and maintenance. In late 2002, a multi-phase
exploration program commenced and in 2003, it was determined
that the mine would be recommissioned.
The mine went into commercial production in
the fourth quarter of 2005 and achieved its average targeted
production rate of 40,000 tonnes per day in November 2005.
During the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, the mine
processed 5.8 million tonnes of ore with an average grade of
0.83 grams per tonne and a recovery rate of 67%, to produce
30,580 ounces of gold to Kinross’ account. The recommissioned
mine is capable of producing approximately 115,000 to 130,000
ounces annually to Kinross’ account and is forecast to produce
124,000 ounces to the Kinross’ account in 2006.
The Refugio mine is a three-stage crushing
and heap leach operation with a name plate capacity of 40,000
tonnes of ore per day, or 11 million tonnes per year. The mine
and plant are designed to produce an estimated 200,000 to
250,000 ounces of gold per year, of which Kinross’ share is 50%.
An alternative crushing system is being
tested which is capable of producing a smaller crushed product
which would increase production and lower cash costs. Facilities
include a permanent camp with access to the site from Copiapo
provided by road. Power is supplied by on-site diesel powered
generators. Water extraction rights expected to be sufficient to
supply the mine are owned by CMM.
Mineral Reserve and Resource Summary
Kinross Gold Corporation’s Share at December 31, 2005
|
|
Tonnes |
Grade |
Ounces |
|
|
( X
1,000) |
(g/t) |
( X
1,000) |
|
Proven and Probable Reserves |
82,172 |
0.74 |
1,953 |
|
Measured and Indicated Resources |
79,206 |
0.85 |
2,158 |
|