- Project designs are complete for the mine production schedule, grade control drilling program, crushing and sorting plant, Nugget Pond gold circuit refurbishment, earthworks and associated project infrastructure. Requests are out for pricing on all major equipment, consumables and contract services for the project.
- An average 95.9% gold recovery was achieved on representative samples taken from the Hammerdown deposit. The metallurgical test work program managed by Canenco Consulting Corp and completed at Blue Coast Research Ltd. on representative bulk and variability samples from both the Hammerdown and Orion deposits, achieved 95.9% and 90.3% gold recovery respectively, with the primary grind P80 of ~50 microns and with oxygen added to the leach system.
- A targeted life of mine waste rejection rate of 40% on Hammerdown and 15% on the Orion deposits was achieved, with 95% gold recovery in the completed sorting test work. Click to see video
- Mechanical inspections completed at the Nugget Pond gold circuit, evaluating the scope of refurbishment for existing equipment and design of the grinding circuit. (Figure 2)
- Condemnation drilling completed over the areas of the planned waste dump, stockpiles and the crushing/sorting plant site with assays pending.
- Hammerdown project was released from provincial Environmental Assessment in May 2021. Click to see video of project site
"The feasibility study is advancing well despite the challenges faced across the mining industry with high inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints. These challenges have caused delays in receiving assays and vendor quotations, however our teams have finalized the project design and have most of the pricing information for the key project components. The advantage with Hammerdown in this market is that as a brownfields project we have extensive infrastructure already in place, including an existing gold circuit at the Nugget Pond mill facility. Our designs for the project have leveraged the site's unique location with existing road access and hydro power less than one kilometre away. The planned use of the latest sorting technology will have a positive impact on reducing truck traffic and greenhouse gas emissions on the local highway system," commented Garett Macdonald, President and CEO. "I believe these benefits, combined with an abundance of local skilled labour and mining services in a world class jurisdiction like Newfoundland and Labrador, set the stage for a successful gold project," continued Mr. Macdonald.
Project Permitting and Community Engagement
In May 2021, the provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador granted approval and release of the Hammerdown Project from Environmental Assessment. In September 2021, Maritime received approval for an early works plan at the site, and tree clearing and mulching of approximately 60 hectares of timber from the project footprint was completed. As the feasibility study progresses, Maritime will continue to complete the project development plan, and the progressive rehabilitation and closure plan. Regulatory approval is required for these plans prior to the start of construction. Maritime intends to submit these documents to the provincial Department of Industry, Energy and Technology during the third quarter of 2022. The timeline for review of both documents is estimated at approximately ten to twelve weeks. This may open an opportunity to begin site construction activities before the end of this year. A second early works plan to establish preliminary drainage and other water management features is being developed to avail of drier summer conditions prior to the start of any project construction activities.
Maritime continues with its learning partnership with local high school students from Valmont Academy and secondary students from the College of the North Atlantic (CONA). This initiative aims at providing students exposure to the mining industry and encourages interest in post secondary studies for future employment opportunities in this sector. (Figure 3)
Maritime also wishes to extend its gratitude to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for continued support of its exploration programs at the Green Bay Project through the Junior Exploration Assistance (JEA) Program. The Company received funding under the JEA Program for exploration within the property during 2021.
Figure 1: Crushing and Sorting Plant Site - Cleared
To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4548/126225_1e63a5ec34b9a9dd_001full.jpg
Figure 2: Nugget Pond Gold Circuit
To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4548/126225_1e63a5ec34b9a9dd_002full.jpg
Figure 3: Valmont Academy Students Touring Hammerdown
To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4548/126225_1e63a5ec34b9a9dd_003full.jpg
Sale of Nomad Shares
Maritime has sold its Nomad Royalty Company Ltd. ("Nomad") common shares for gross proceeds of $971,742. A portion of the portfolio of royalty interests in a number of Canadian exploration projects, acquired from Rambler Metals and Mining Canada Ltd. in April 2021, were sold to Nomad for 96,818 Nomad common shares in January 2022.