Feasibility leads to mine reopening

Results from a feasibility study of the OK copper mine near Milford, Utah, suggest that a reopening would be viable.

The use of solvent extraction-electrowinning would enable the mine to produce about 30 million lb. copper, according to an estimate by owner Centurion Mines (NASDAQ).

The mine, which closed in 1972, occupies 1,100 acres of the South Utah copper property.

With proven and probable reserves of 1.9 million tons grading 0.62% copper and 2 million tons of stockpiled copper grading 0.4%, the mine life is estimated at four years.

Additional drilling along the 4,000-ft. mineralized trend, on which the mine is situated, could expand known reserves. According to the study, the potential exists for identifying an additional resource of 108 million lb. copper.

The company has conducted mapping, sampling and geophysical surveys on an area adjacent to the mine, which it believes has the potential to host a large sulphide copper porphyry system. All mining and processing will be carried out on Centurion’s privately owned property, and production is expected to begin in 1997.