The 77 vein was the most productive and highest grade when the mines were in production. Historically, it averaged 17.7 g/t gold and was mined to a depth of 1,900 metres.
The project, which includes the former Bralorne, Pioneer and King mines – is located near Gold Bridge, B.C. Historic production totalled 4.2 million oz. from 30 veins. Thirty-three more veins have been identified but were never mined.
Talisker acquired the Bralorne mine in 2019 for C$8.7 million in cash and shares from Avino Silver and Gold Mines.
Hole SB-2021-075 cut not only the 77 vein but also the 52 vein (13.86 g/t over 1.2 metres) and the 52 vein splay (12.87 g/t over 1 metre). The 222 vein returned 1.32 g/t over 13.7 metres, including 5.53 g/t gold over 1 metre. Two shallow zones of low-grade bulk tonnage were defined, and they returned 0.56 g/t gold over 51.5 metres and 0.43 g/t gold over 32.2 metres.
Talisker earlier reported high grades from the Pioneer block, including 6.4 metres grading 7.46 g/t gold.
An updated resource estimate for Bralorne is due in the first quarter next year. The current estimate, released a year ago, outlined 235,800 measured and indicated tonnes grading 12.1 g/t gold for 91,000 contained ounces and 287,500 inferred tonnes at 8 g/t gold for 78,000 contained ounces.
(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)
