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The Coeur mine produced from 1969-1998. The total production was 39 million ounces of silver and 33 million pounds of copper from 2.4 million tons of ore. Average ore grades were 16.6 ounces per ton silver and 0.72% copper.
The company decided in 2007 to reactivate the Coeur mill to process lead-silver ore produced at the Galena mine. To achieve this, the company rehabilitated the 3400 level of the Coeur mine (the 3700 level of the Galena mine) haulage way connecting the Galena mine to the Coeur shaft, a distance of about 1.5 miles. The reconditioning involved ground support and installing new rail and utilities as well as moving the primary ventilation fans. The mill was also reconditioned and commissioned in early September, 2007. The mill ran until January, 2009 when it was placed on care and maintanence after the second circuit in the Galena mill was activated.
The Company is examining the possibility of reactivating the Coeur mine to access some of the mineralized zones of silver-copper ore that were left when the mine was shut down in 1998. While the Coeur mine would not supply sufficient feed to fill the Coeur mill until significant exploration and development work has been done, a combination of the Coeur mine and additional ore from the Galena mine could fill the Coeur mill. The Company is examining this alternative to determine the economics and the time required. The Company is also examining the possibility of forming a joint venture with another company to explore, redevelopment and place the Coeur mine and mill into full production. The overall objective is to utilize the Coeur mine and mill in some manner to enhance the Company's profitability.
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