The Properties’ deposits are classified as Lake Superior-type. Such iron formations are the principal sources of iron throughout the world. Iron formation deposits in the FIOD include ArcelorMittal’s Mont-Wright and Fire Lake Mines, Mont Reed iron deposits and Cliffs Natural Resources Bloom Lake Mine, (formerly owned by Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines Ltd.) and the Lamêlée Lake and Peppler Lake iron deposits.

Iron formations are classified as chemical sedimentary rock containing greater than 15% iron consisting of iron-rich beds, usually interlayered on a centimetre scale with chert, quartz, or carbonate. Ore is mainly composed of magnetite and hematite, and commonly associated with mature sedimentary rocks.

Stratiform iron formations are distributed throughout the world in the major tectonic belts of the Precambrian shields, and in many Paleozoic and Mesozoic fold belts, as well as parts of the present day ocean floor. Gross (2009) noted that the enormous size of some of the Archean and Paleoproterozoic iron formations reflected the unique global tectonic features and depositional environments for iron formation that were distinctive of the time.

Although various models have been used to explain the deposition of iron formations in the past, current thinking (summarized in Cannon, 1992, Gross, 1996, Gross, 2009) supports the idea of iron formation deposition, resulting from the syngenetic precipitation of iron-rich minerals in a marine setting due to hydrothermal exhalative activity on the ocean floor. The iron is thought to have formed in stable tectonic-sedimentary environments where silica, iron, ferrous and non ferrous metals were available in abundance, mainly from hydrothermal sources, and where conditions were favourable for their rapid deposition with minimal clastic sediment input.

Hydrothermal processes related to volcanism and major tectonic features are thought to be the principal source of iron and other metals. Deep fractures and crustal dislocations over hot spots and high thermal gradients penetrating the upper mantle enabled convective circulation, alteration and leaching of metals from the upper crust, including possible contributions by magmatic fluids. Iron formations are important hosts of enriched iron and manganese ore, gold deposits, and are also marker horizons for massive-sulphide deposits. Deposition of the iron was influenced by the pH and Eh of the ambient water, and biogenic anaerobic processes may have also played a role (Gross, 1996, Gross, 2009).

Post depositional events such as weathering, groundwater circulation and hydrothermal circulation can modify the deposits, and the mineralogy is usually recrystallized and coarsened by medium- to high-grade regional metamorphism. Protracted supergene alteration can be an important economic fact in upgrading the primary iron formation (Gross, 1996).

Iron formations can be subdivided into two (2) types, related to two (2) major types of tectonic environments: the Lake Superior-type on the continental shelf and marginal basins adjacent to deep-seated fault and fracture systems and subduction zones along craton borders; and the Algoma-type along volcanic arcs and rift systems and other major disruptions of the earth’s crust. Development of Lake Superior-types was related to global tectonic systems that caused the breakup of cratons, shields or plates in the Paleoproterozoic. Rapitan-type have distinctive lithological features being associated with diamictite, and were deposited in grabens and fault scarp basins along rifted margins of continents or ancient cratons in sequences of Late Proterozoic and Early Paleozoic rocks.

The mining method selected for the Project is based on conventional drill, blast, load and haul. Annual mining equipment fleet requirements were developed based on equipment performance parameters and average hauling distances.

The mine plan was developed to provide a constant throughput of 23 Mtpy of ROM to the concentrator when mining in the West pit, and 24.8 Mtpy when mining in the East Pit.

The primary equipment at the peak in the mine life consists of 40 x 222 t diesel haul trucks, 2 x 28 m3 bucket rope shovels, 1 x 22 m3 bucket hydraulic electric shovel in ore, 2 x 27 m3 bucket hydraulic electric shovels in waste, a 15 m3 bucket wheel loader and 5 x 12¼ inch rotary blast hole drills.

The mine operating and capital costs have been estimated by BBA and consist of equipment energy, equipment maintenance and replacements, blasting and drilling, personnel, and other costs. It is assumed that the mine equipment will be owned by Champion and the workforce will be directly employed by Champion, except for contracted blasting services.

There are three (3) waste rock piles and one (1) overburden pile that were designed for the Fire Lake North PFS.

The West waste rock pile will be completed first, due to its proximity to the West pit. This will provide shorter hauls at the beginning and middle of the mine life. Subsequently, the central pile will be filled. It lies in between the two pits. The East pile will be used mostly when the East pit is in production. It is located northeast of the East pit exit.

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A conventional gravity circuit flowsheet will be used to produce concentrate from the Fire Lake North deposits. The overall design basis for this project was determined on the basis of 23 Mtpy of feed material to the mill.

Gravity Spirals Circuit
The gravity concentrating circuit layout is based on a conventional, gravity fed, 3-stage spiral circuit. The undersize from the classification screens will be pumped to four (4) primary distributors. The primary distributors feed an additional eight (8) secondary distributors. The secondary distributors will feed 32 banks of 14 double-start rougher spirals (896 total starts). The rougher spirals will produce two (2) products, a concentrate stream and a tailings stream. The concentrate will be collected by a series of launders and directed to the distributors feeding the cleaner spirals. Dilution water will be added in the launders to control the solids density at the cleaner spiral feed at 40% solids (w/w).

The 32 ........