- Seabridge Gold (SEA) has begun geotechnical drilling along the proposed route of the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels (MTT) at its KSM gold-copper project
- The MTT is a key infrastructure component of the project designed to connect the mine to its associated mill
- A 4,000-metre drill program will assess the condition of the rocks through which the tunnels will be driven
- This information will assist in selecting the optimum excavation technology for the construction of the tunnels
- Seabridge Gold (SEA) is currently up 0.12 per cent and is trading at C$24.91 per share
Seabridge Gold (SEA) has begun geotechnical drilling along the proposed route of the Mitchell Treaty Tunnels (MTT) at its KSM gold-copper project.
The MTT has been designed to connect the mine to its associated mill, allowing for more efficient transportation of ore as well as the supply of electricity, fuel and other consumables.
Such tunnels are considered to be more cost effective and less harmful to the environment, particularly given the distance of the mill and tailings facility from the mine site.
Seabridge received its permit from the British Columbian government on June 30 this year, and now plans to drill 10 holes for a total of 4,000 metres to assess the condition of the rocks through which the tunnels will be driven.
This information will assist in selecting the optimum excavation technology for the construction of the tunnels.
Various instruction will also be installed for the ongoing collection of data, which will further complement tunnel design.
Later this year, Seabridge has planned to commence a geophysical and short borehole drill program to determine the foundation properties for one of the MTT’s key portals.
Chairman and CEO of Seabridge Gold, Rudi Fronk noted that the size of the drill program has been scaled back from its original plans due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our permit allows us to drill 40 holes, but we have limited this summer’s program to only one drill rig and 10 holes to reduce the load on our camp facilities and protect our employees and contractors.
“We will be following a very detailed protocol to minimise risks to our workers and local Indigenous groups,” he added.
Seabridge Gold (SEA) is up 0.12 per cent and is trading at C$24.91 per share at 2:12pm EDT.