
SACRE-COEUR MINERALS PROVIDES UPDATES ON ALLUVIAL TEST MINING AND ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR PRODUCTION OPERATIONS AT MILLION MOUNTAIN
February 24, 2010
VANCOUVER, B.C. – SACRE-COEUR MINERALS, LTD. (the "Company")”) is pleased to announce that its alluvial test mining program is proceeding well and, based on the information gained from this program, it is developing plans to upscale this effort into an ongoing production operation.
The focus of the test mining program is to 1) provide a bulk sampling opportunity to confirm the adequacy and accuracy of the initial test pitting program, 2) examine the distribution and character of gold contained in the various alluvial strata, 3) determine the material handling characteristics of the overburden and the alluvial zone to optimize for production scale mining operations, and 4) develop the most effective concentrate refining techniques and parameters. The initial test operation was sited on the low grade margin of the main Zone 2 paleo-channel to obtain the foregoing information without jeopardizing the higher grade portions of the zone while mining and processing procedures were being developed and optimized.
Based on test mining results, it has been determined that stripping of overburden is best accomplished with track mounted excavators, but mining of the alluvial zone itself is more effectively accomplished using water jets. The use of water jets to extract the alluvial pay zone permits thorough and precise “cleaning” of the high grade, coarse gold typically found at the bedrock interface. It also reduces the role of heavy equipment in the mining operation, creating cost efficiencies through savings on equipment costs and the need for skilled heavy equipment operators.
In addition to modifications being implemented in the mining system, bottlenecks in the refinery are being eliminated to permit processing of all gravity concentrates as produced to shorten the “pipeline” time to gold sales. This refining backlog has delayed initial gold sales from test operations. Sales of finished gold are now expected to commence by early March, 2010 and continue thereafter on a regular basis.
We are very pleased that the test mining program has quickly fulfilled its objectives, and we are able to confidently prepare for full scale on-going production. Our strategy is to continue operating the test operation as a pilot plant to gather additional information and generate revenue while we are preparing the equipment for regular production as described herein. Though cost estimation for gearing up with the revisions outlined is just beginning, the total costs are expected to be relatively modest, at less than CAD $200,000. Implementation timing is expected to be approximately three months.
Technical Staff
The Company’s mining and exploration program is overseen by Mr. A. David Heyl, P. Geo., Director Mining and Exploration for the Company. The refinery is managed by Mr. Ardito Martohardjono, Refinery Manager. Exploration is directed by Mr. Henry Salvado, Chief Geologist – Puruni District. The alluvial exploration program is headed by Mr. Roan Dabuet, assisted by Mr. Johnson Poshiwa, both Senior Project Geologists with many years of alluvial gold experience. Mr. Ardito Martohardjono, a Director of the Company, Refinery Manager, and laboratory specialist, provides assistance establishing lab protocols and sample handling and assay quality control. The undersigned, Mr. Heyl, and Mr. Salvado are qualified persons under NI 43-101. They have collaborated on this press release.
About Sacre-Coeur
The Company is engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of properties for the potential mining of gold, metals and diamonds in South America, initially focussing on exploration for gold on its properties in Guyana. The Company presently has an interest in approximately 1000 sq. km of mineral properties in Guyana, including the Million Mountain Property. The Company has offices in Vancouver, Canada and Georgetown, Guyana. More information about the Company is available at www.scminerals.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
SACRE-COEUR MINERALS, LTD.
“Gregory B. Sparks”
President and CEO
For further information, contact:
Gregory B. Sparks, President and CEO
Email: greg@scminerals.com
Phone: 604-899-0100
Fax: 604-899-0200
Scott Young, Corporate Communications – Canada
Email: scott@scminerals.com
Phone:
: 705-888-2756
Fax: 604-899-0200
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of the information contained herein. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations.
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Investor relations contacts
Scott Young, Investor Relations – Canada
Phone: (604) 888-2756
Fax: (604) 899-0200
Email: scott@scminerals.com