West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (“West Red Lake Gold” or the “Company”) (TSXV: WRLG) (OTCQB: WRLGF) is pleased to provide an exciting operations update on the Madsen Mine project located in the Red Lake Gold District of Northwestern Ontario, Canada.
As we work towards restarting the Madsen Mine in 2025, significant progress is being made in key operational readiness activities. From the completion of essential infrastructure to the commissioning of critical equipment, the Company is poised to move closer to its goal of becoming a leading gold producer in Canada.
Key Updates on Madsen Mine Project
The Madsen Mine project is entering a critical phase. West Red Lake Gold is rapidly progressing with multiple development milestones aimed at preparing for the mine’s restart. The company is targeting next year for a full restart, with activities in full swing, including access development for test mining and key capital projects like the Connection Drift, primary crusher, and camp installation.
Connection Drift: 50% Complete and On Track
One of the major capital projects supporting the Madsen Mine restart is the Connection Drift. The drift, which is 50% complete, is crucial to increasing operational efficiency and is expected to be fully completed by March 2025.
This 1.2-km haulage way will connect the historic West Portal to the modern East Portal. The drift will allow the transportation of mined material through the East Portal, eliminating inefficiencies associated with the West Portal, which include:
- Small portal size limiting truck capacity to 30 tonnes.
- Steep sections and sharp corners making the haulage route less efficient.
- Multiple reloading points along the route to the mill, causing unnecessary delays.
With the East Portal, which accommodates 60-tonne trucks, the drift will create a much more efficient haulage system. Not only will this improve productivity, but it also brings the primary crusher close to the mill, reducing trucking distances significantly.
The Connection Drift project is progressing smoothly, with 604.8 metres completed of the 1.2-km total length. As construction advances, it will provide vital underground mining experience for the team and offer opportunities for drill testing of prospective targets.
Primary Crusher: Operational and Ready for Production
On November 5, 2024, West Red Lake Gold successfully commissioned its primary crusher. This marks an important milestone in the development of the Madsen Mine, as it demonstrates the company’s commitment to improving efficiency at every stage of the project.
The CRJ3042 Electric Primary Jaw Crushing Plant, delivered and assembled at the site, is now processing material. Having this critical piece of equipment operational means the Company is well-prepared for when full-scale mining begins. It will serve as a key component in the crushing process and facilitate the movement of ore to the mill for processing.
Camp Installation: Workforce Ready for Restart
In addition to the infrastructure developments, West Red Lake Gold is also focused on ensuring its workforce is well-equipped for the restart. On November 11, 2024, the Company received a 114-person accommodation camp designed to provide a comfortable and efficient living environment for workers.
The camp, supplied by Horizon North, includes:
- Individual rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
- A full kitchen and dining hall.
- Recreation spaces for worker downtime.
The installation of this camp will ensure a smooth transition for workers once mining activities ramp up, providing them with the facilities necessary for peak performance in a remote location.
West Red Lake Gold’s Progress Towards Restart
West Red Lake Gold is focused on completing these essential infrastructure projects and achieving its goal of restarting the Madsen Mine. The Connection Drift, primary crusher, and camp installation are just the beginning. With definition drilling, mine planning, and further optimization on the pre-feasibility study all progressing as planned, the Company is well-positioned to make the transition from developer to producer.
The team is also dedicated to ensuring a highly efficient operation at the Madsen Mine by focusing on capital investments, such as the Connection Drift, which will not only improve material movement but also unlock the potential to drill-test new resource targets. This approach embodies the Company’s belief that efficiency is key to long-term success.
Looking Ahead: Optimism for the Madsen Mine Restart
With the completion of major milestones in the Madsen Mine project, West Red Lake Gold is rapidly advancing towards its target restart date. The Company’s commitment to efficiency, safety, and sustainability will ensure the Madsen Mine plays a significant role in Canada’s mining sector.
As the team continues to work tirelessly towards restarting the mine in 2025, they are optimistic about the future. With several key infrastructure projects on track for completion, West Red Lake Gold is on the cusp of becoming a major player in gold production.
