DEPOSIT TYPES Kenbridge is an Archean age gabbro-related magmatic sulphide deposit with geological similarities to the better known and larger deposits, such as the Montcalm Mine Deposit near Timmins, Ontario (Naldrett, 1981). Magmatic nickel sulphide deposits form when sulphur-undersaturated picrite or high magnesium basalt magma becomes saturated in sulphides, generally as a result of interaction with and assimilation of sulphur-bearing sedimentary rocks. Assimilation of crustal sulphur results in the formation of an immiscible sulphide liquid that segregates toward the base of the flow or sill. Assimilation and concentration may be enhanced by multiple pulses of magma in a dynamic conduit system. The mineralization typically forms lenses or tabular concentrations in the middle or lower parts of the gabbro intrusions. Subsequently, the effects of post-emplacement deformation preferentially concentrate in the incompetent sulphides, resulting in the latter being displaced from their host parental body unit, possibly as breccias, into surrounding rocks. The Kenbridge Deposit appears to be a breccia pipe that may represent the conduit of a larger magmatic feeder system associated with major regional structure. The sulphide mineral assemblage appears to be relatively high-nickel in composition, with nickel/copper of 2:1 overall. Keast and O’Flaherty (2006) favour a model in which the sulphides were remobilized in a breccia pipe conduit. This interpretation is consistent with ........

The Kenbridge Deposit is comprised of three steeply-dipping sub-parallel structures (HW, FW and Central) of varying extents. The largest structure (Central) extends approximately 1 km from surface; the smallest (HW) extends approximately 300 m from surface; and the remaining structure (FW) extends to approximately 600 m from surface. All three structures outcrop at the existing surface/overburden interface. Mineralization is planned to be extracted from all three structures over the Life of Mine (“LOM”).

Open pit mining was studied and was found to be less economic than underground mining. However, the potential exists to mine a shallow open pit at any time during the mine production life in case emergency or incremental feed for the process plant is required.

Level spacing in the upper (shaft-access) part of the mine will be 46 m to utilize existing shaft stations and levels (Levels 2 and 3 have significant historical lateral development) where possible to minimize capital expenditures. These areas will be mined using a 16 m uphole blast followed by a 30 m downhole blast into the void created by the upholes. This methodology decreases overall dilution and allows for smaller longhole (“LH”) drilling equipment. Levels in the lower (rampaccess) part of the mine will be spaced on 30 m intervals, since there is no historical development to incorporate, and 30 m level spacings will allow fleet continuity (same drilling and loading units as in the upper mine) ........

- subscription is required.

- subscription is required.

- subscription is required.