A Brief History of Barnes Lake Mining
Exploration of the Barnes Lake area first started in 1975, and in 1977-1978 was quickly followed by diamond and percussion drilling. In 1990, phosphorites were examined via sampling, geological mapping, backhoe trenching, and hand trenching. Two hand trenches and eight backhoe trenches were dug in trace of the strike line on Michel Creek’s west side. The trenching analysis showed the continuation of the phosphorites and the consistency of grade along strike.
What’s Happened Recently at Barnes Lake
Fertoz finished initial exploration in 2013 and preparation for a drilling and trenching program in 2014. After locating drill sites from the late 60s and 70s when phosphate was discovered less than 10 meters from the surface, Fertoz extended its claim holdings to encompass the old drill sites and increase the mineralized zone. Soon after, tenement 1020873 was granted by the British Columbian Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The area spans 629 hectares and envelopes the already existing tenement 1011319.
Exploration in 2018 consisted of bridge installation for access, road rehabilitation, extensive excavator trenching and environmental baseline sampling. A bulk sample application has been submitted.
The Advantages of an Open Pit Mine
The Barnes Lake mining project is appropriate for open-pit mining and possesses a potential for resources of greater than 250,000 tonnes. An open pit mine can be operated for less money, because not as much equipment or manpower is needed, and it becomes financially profitable faster because of the ease in which ore is extracted and excess is used for reclamation. The project’s development would focus on the domestic phosphate market.
