 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||||
Click here to view a non-Flash version of this page. Or, enable Flash to browse our interactive Flash version.
US Steel claims the property in the 1960's. Over 550,000 feet of drilling by US Steel, Anaconda, and other min-ing companies discovers and delineates large copper and iron magnetite resources. Expenditures on the prop-erty exceed USD$50 million. In 2005, Nevada Copper acquires the property, with copper prices at $1.40/lb. Exploration and planning of the Pumpkin Hollow project begins.
By 2010, Nevada Copper drills another 160,000 feet or surface drilling, which expands the existing mineraliza-tion and provides critical information on the hydrogeological characteristics of groundwater, water supply, de-watering and groundwater protection. The geotechnical, or physical properties of rock, is also determined. These findings are needed to move forward with planning of the Pumpkin Hollow project.
Photo: Nevada Copper has drilled over 400,000 feet of exploration holes since 2006.
In an ongoing effort to maintain open, transparent engagement with the community; and, to develop an envi-ronmentally superior mining operation — Nevada Copper procures necessary permits and develops relation-ships with Mason Valley and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. Community consultation is planned for the life of the mine.
The feasibility study begins — this forms the foundation of the mine plan — it looks at the proposed mine to identify and answer the who, what, where, when, how and why of the mine. The key question to be answered is: Can the Pumpkin Hollow mineral resource be developed into a mine? Further, the study identifies potential challenges and risks; and, formulates a plan to address these challenges in the most cost efficient manner.
Photo: Numerous environmental studies are underway to design and operate the mine the Right Way. Here, a hydrologist is conducting surface infiltration tests to determine the permeability of the soils.
Nevada Copper plans and permits Advanced Exploration Construction to begin in 2012. During this phase we access deep underground ore zones by sinking a giant shaft into the ground — a 24 feet diameter by 2,200 feet deep shaft — the same square footage as four average sized bedrooms! When it is time to mine the deposit, the shaft is ready and big enough to hoist 7,500 tons of ore per day — enough to cover a basketball court with ore 16 feet deep! An estimated 40 to 60 construction workers will be needed to construct this shaft
An underground contractor is selected to sink the 2,200 feet deep, 24 feet diameter production-sized shaft to access the East underground deposit. Permits are in hand; engineering work begins on the design and installa-tion of hoist and head frame facilities; a production hoist is secured and is being refurbished prior to shipment to the site. The shaft will be lined with concrete for the entire depth — that is more than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete, enough to cover a basketball court with 4 feet of concrete.
Photo: A driller is removing core from a core barrel. Once removed, the core is laid out in boxes and on pallets for transport to the core shed and assay lab.
The key results of the feasibility study are published. The results confirm that the economics of the Pumpkin Hollow project support an economically robust copper mine. The initial life of the mine is estimated at 18 years. Subject to completion of project financing arrangements and receipt of required permits, Nevada Copper decides to proceed with development. The company plans to secure a strategic partner to fully finance construction of the mine.
At first, Nevada Copper intended to build the mine in two phases. We planned to first build PLUM, the "Private Land Underground Mine," and then when it was producing we would start construction on FULL, adding the open pit mine production. Initially, the thought was that this 'build it as you go' strategy, would be the most de-sirable way. Plans changed when the feasibility study showed that it would be much more favorable to inte-grate the design, construction, and production of both PLUM and FULL (the underground and open pit mines) at the same time – the Integrated Operation.
Nevada Copper finalizes permit applications and begins detailed design of the project facilities, including:
Each component of the mine undergoes detailed design and construction planning which includes the mining and process methods, equipment selection, mining rates and materials management. Detailed engineering and ordering of key long-lead-time mining and process equipment starts mid-2012.
Photo: Drilling is a perpetual motion operation. While these drillers are working on one hole, the dozer is constructing the next drill site. The dozer will move to the completed drill site once it is done to reclaim it.
Shaft sinking—a first step in construction of the underground mine—involves excavation of the 2,200 feet deep, 24 feet in diameter shaft into the ground. Immediately, the purpose is exploration and bulk sample testing. Once we explore the deposit we confirm and refine the initial design and develop the underground facilities. Later, when permits are obtained, we begin to mine and process the ore. As production begins the shaft's main purpose is to lift approximately 7,500 tons of ore each day – again, that is enough to cover a basketball court 16 feet deep.
Click here to see a mine blast >>
Photo: Part of shaft sinking is the construction of a headframe like the enclosed headframe pictured above. Because of the climate here, ours will not be enclosed.
On February 18, 2012, Nevada Copper hosts a high profile ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking event of the Pumpkin Hollow project. Joe Dini, former Speaker of the Nevada State Assembly serves as an Honorary Chairman for the event. Finally, after nearly 50 years of exploration and evaluation, the Pumpkin Hollow project is happening. For many, both in Mason Valley and Yerington, this strikes the moment at which all hopes are raised and skepticism for the project dismissed.
The construction of the integrated operations, including the underground mine and open pit mine begins:
Photo: Water that is pumped from wells is either used for exploration, mining or mineral processing. Otherwise, it must be recharged into the ground, such as in these basins.
In 2013, after receipt of permits, Pumpkin Hollow is scheduled to begin mining both the open pit and continue development of underground mine areas. Once construction of processing facilities is complete, ore will be transported to a single Process Plant. The operations workforce is recruited, hired and trained during this period. In addition, it is expected that there will be a significant increase in local business activity from both construction and mining activities.
As construction is completed and the ore processing is in full operation, both the open pit and underground mining rates increase, which means the workforce increases. At full operation, Pumpkin Hollow will employ approximately 750 to 800 people. An increase in local business activity is also anticipated during this time. The first sale of concentrate is expected in 2015. After an investment of approximately $1 billion between 2012 and 2015, Nevada Copper will realize its first payday at Pumpkin Hollow!
By 2015 Pumpkin Hollow will be in full swing. The underground mine is estimated to produce 7,500 tons of ore each day — enough to cover a basketball court 14 feet deep. In a year nearly 2.7 million tons of ore will be mined from underground, enough ore to cover a football field with ore 57 feet deep. The open pit mine will pro-duce 60,000 tons of ore each day, enough ore to cover a football field with ore 12 feet deep - nearly 214 million tons in a year, enough ore to cover 10 football fields with ore 445 feet deep. Crushed ore is taken to the process plant, where is goes through a milling and flotation process where the mineral containing copper, gold and silver sticks to the bubbles and floats to the top. The resulting concentrate is in a finely ground powder, which is sent via railroad and ships to a smelter, a large furnace that melts the copper, gold and silver and separates it from the rock.
It is estimated that Pumpkin Hollow will produce 220 to 275 million pounds of copper, 25 to 35,000 ounces of gold and 645 to 845,000 ounces of silver each year. That is enough copper to cover a football field with 100 feet of pure copper! It's market worth: $600 to 800 million depending on current copper prices.
With the end in mind, Nevada Copper begins the reclamation and stabilization process just two years after processing starts. We clean up as we go. The mine will not process forever, so we have an end–plan in mind for both converting many facilities to other uses, or if that is not possible, removing those facilities that are not needed and cleaning them up. This 'do-it-as-you–go' strategy offers rehabilitation of disturbed lands and stabi-lization of mine components. The populous of Nevada need not worry about a deserted mine in 40 years; nor, worry about chemicals or acids polluting the lands in and around Pumpkin Hollow.
Who knows, this mine could continue well beyond its current planned life. However the mine may be complete by the year 2045. Therefore, Nevada Copper has already set the plans in motion to turn the once mined area into another business entirely. An amphitheater is planned to be built in the nearby hills, the land south of the mine is going to be used as a motocross track. It is not yet decided what the building facilities will be turned into but some potential options might be a solar farm, or other commercial or industrial businesses. So here is to the Right Project. In the Right Place. At the Right Time.
Watch Testimonies Given on the...
NEVADA MINING ASSOCIATION - The...
2012 Public Officials of the Year...
Another look at the Pumpkin Hollow...
The Pumpkin Hollow Project is right for yerington, and we want to show you why.
Click here for Pumpkin Hollow in the news. We'll introduce you to our key members, tell you about our local vendors, and even post carreer updates.
Learn more about mining technology, environmental impact, and what Pumpkin Hollow means to you by checking back frequently. See you soon!
You are viewing this site with Adobe Flash disabled. Please enable Flash to enjoy our interactive content. Or, you may visit the mobile version by clicking here or the iPad version by clicking here.
