Cambior boosts gold output (February 14, 1994)

The Omai mine in Guyana contributed significantly to Cambior’s (TSE) overall production in 1993. The company reports a jump in output of 46%.

The producer turned out 518,083 oz. last year, up from 354,298 oz. in 1992. Omai, in which Cambior is the majority owner, entered commercial production early in 1993.

During the fourth quarter, Omai output totaled 60,348 oz. The milling rate averaged 12,668 tons per day at an average grade of 0.058 oz. gold per ton and a gold recovery rate of 89.4%. A 12-day breakdown of the in-circuit crusher had an adverse effect on throughput and recovery during the quarter. Proven and probable reserves at Omai’s Fennell pit have been expanded; tonnage is up 34% from a 1990 feasibility study and up 23% since the beginning of 1993.

For 1994, the company hopes to produce 580,000 oz.

Elsewhere, feasibility studies will be filed during the second quarter for the Grevet and 1100 Lens polymetallic projects in northwestern Quebec. Environmental permits for the Carlota copper project in Arizona are expected to be received during the second half of 1994; board approval would allow construction to begin this year, with commercial production slated for the third quarter of 1985.

Also, drilling is planned for the Santa Rosa gold project in Peru and the Metates gold project in Mexico.