The Benson Lake Mine - Operating Practice

CIM Bulletin, 1971

Ore outcrops were first discovered in the area in 1911. Following various periods of exploration by private interests and Cominco Limited, the Coast Copper Company, Limited pro1>erty was brought into production in August 1962. Subsequently, Cominco explored the adjace~t Quatsino Gold Mines property and is currently developmg, and producing from, what is now known as the Benson Lake Mine. The Benson Lake Mine was developed using a conveyorequipped decline and trackless LHD equipment. The operation produces 800 tons per day of copper-iron ore, copper being the main product. Copper and iron concentrates are trucked 25 miles to storage and shiploading facilities near Port McNeill to await shipment to Japan.

Keywords: andesitic, Coast Copper, ore, Port McNeill, pyrrhotite, copper, Development, Developments, Mine, Mines, Ore, Ores