Cornish Metals Inc said it had progressed the dewatering programme, feasibility study (FS) and exploration of additional mineral rights at the South Crofty tin project in Cornwall.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
The Canadian company has completed 75% of the detailed designs of the water treatment plant (WTP) with commissioning on schedule for June 2023 at a current cost estimate of £6.5 to £7 million.
The foundation slab for the WTP has been designed, the shuttering and steel reinforcement complete and concrete pouring has begun.
The treated water discharge duct from the WTP to middle engine shaft is complete, and all key equipment suppliers are engaged, contracts awarded and delivery dates assigned.
Six large steel clarifier tanks are being fabricated locally with delivery and installation expected to start in December 2022.
Two submersible pumps purchased in 2018 have been checked and tested, and pump installation into New Cooks Kitchen shaft is planned to begin this month.
Cornish Metals expects to install both pumps approximately 370 metres depth below surface by the end of February 2023.
METALLURGICAL DRILLING
Three diamond drill rigs are currently in use at North Pool Zone, No. 4 and No. 8 Lodes and Roskear / Dolcoath areas.
FEASIBILITY STUDY
Initial work has started on the FS, including hydrogeology, geotechnical studies, ventilation, shaft refurbishment, and initial groundwork investigations for the process plant foundations.
A metallurgical testwork programme has been developed, including ore sorting, process design confirmation and paste backfill.
Cornish Metals added that the local community continued to very supportive, with the most recent community meeting held in September 2022.
“The company continues to provide ongoing support and funding to local charities, sports teams and also to minerals industry related education by providing transport and entrance fees for local primary school trips to the Geevor tin mine museum.”