UPDATE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2008

TIPPLE

Work has been completed on the rail underneath the tipple loadout (Figure 1).

Figure 1: New Rail Under the Tipple

Work on calibration of the scales will proceed this week, and the feed system (Figure 2) will be completed in the next two weeks.

Figure 2: Chutes on the Bottom of the Tipple

NEW MINING EQUIPMENT

The five shipments of the new Komatsu 900 loader (figures 3-4) arrived and assembly will take the next two weeks. The new 100 ton trucks are due to be delivered the end of November or the first of December.

Figure 3: Shovels for the new Komatsu 900

Figure 4: Engine for the Komatsu 900

BLASTING CONTINUES

The largest blast to date is scheduled for this week. A 105 hole shot pattern has been drilled and is being prepared for the blast. This should remove approximately 76,000 tons of material which is greater than half of a ship load.

AEROMAG SURVEY

The AeroMag survey was completed and a report was received. Rick Russell is currently doing an evaluation of the data and will determine a drilling program that is planned for the spring.

Figure 5: Survey Aircraft-magnetic sensor is mounted on the right wing