Winter drilling at Pine Point has found positive signs that might reduce the cost of developing a mine at the site, east of Hay River.

On June 2, Osisko Metals reported on the initial results of its winter hydrogeological drilling program.

SA国际影视传媒淣ew hydrogeological testing at Pine Point indicates a significant and positive change to the companySA国际影视传媒檚 understanding of ground water flow conditions with potential to significantly reduce costs related to future dewatering,SA国际影视传媒� stated a news release from Osisko Metals. SA国际影视传媒淭he underground water flow appears to be preferentially controlled by faults and/or fracture zones with little influence related to formational aquifers.SA国际影视传媒�

An aquifer is a layer of water-bearing rock.

The company is assessing restarting zinc/lead mining at Pine Point, where Cominco operated a mine from 1964-1988.

Osisko Metals said the new information will be included in an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in the first quarter of 2022 with a new 3D hydrogeological model, and it should significantly lower estimates for life-of-mine water management.

Testing has been completed on 10 water well holes from the 18 drill holes completed over the winter. Only two of the 18 holes produced water to surface and those are located in the northernmost area of the property, outside the mineralized trends.

SA国际影视传媒淭hese preliminary results represent a paradigm shift concerning underground water infiltration at Pine Point,SA国际影视传媒� said Robert Wares, the chairperson and CEO of Osisko Metals, adding it is anticipated that they will result in a more efficient dewatering plan.

SA国际影视传媒淐ominco operated successfully at Pine Point for 24 years and demonstrated that mine dewatering was manageable in the main part of the camp, and we firmly believe, especially in light of these preliminary results, that this will also be the case in the southwestern portion of the camp which includes the high-grade West Zone deposits,SA国际影视传媒� Wares continued.

Further results from the hydrogeological program are expected later this year.

Osisko Metals has retained Hydro-Ressources Inc. to model hydrogeology at Pine Point.

Hydro-Ressources Inc. is a well-known international consulting firm that specializes in mine dewatering and hydrogeological technology development. It has expertise in operational dewatering in both open pit and underground mines globally, including experience in similar base metal mines.

Hydro-Ressources Inc. will use the Osisko MetalsSA国际影视传媒� 3D site-wide geological model to continue hydrogeological testing and investigations to better characterize water flow at Pine Point.