Ontario Geological Survey
Permanent Link to this Record:
MDI41K16SW00003
| Record Name(s) | Prace Mine - 1979, Sill Lake - 1982 |
|---|---|
| Related Record Type | Simple |
| Related Record(s) | |
| Record Status | Developed Prospect With Reported Reserves or Resources |
| Date Created | 1991-Sep-01 |
| Date Last Modified | 2023-Aug-03 |
| Created By | |
| Revised By |
Primary Commodities: Lead, Silver
Secondary Commodities: Zinc
Township or Area: Vankoughnet
Latitude: 46° 46' 3.98" Longitude: -84° 15' 29.12"
UTM Zone: 16 Easting: 709352.012 Northing: 5183009.194 UTM Datum: NAD83
Resident Geologist District: Sault Ste. Marie
NTS Grid: 41K16SW
Point Location Description: Decline
Location Method: Field Visit with GPS
Access Description: Located 52 km north of the city of Sault Ste. marie and 1.5 km south of Robertson lake in VanKoughnet twp. Access to the property is via Hwy north a distance of 20 km to Hwy 532, then east 8 km to the mine road which ends at the adit portal a further 9 km to the southwest.
The property was originally comprised of 17 unpatented claims in sections 10, 11 and 12 and was held by Montco Copper Corporation in 1955. Montco's prospectus reported copper mineralization in a quartz vein at the contact between the sediments of the Cobalt Group and the Nipissing diabase and further exploration was recommended. Tribag Mining Company obtained the claims in 1972 and during a 7 hole 427 metre drilling program, a high grade argentiferous galena-bearing quartz carbonate vein was discovered. Tribag leased the property to Prace Mining Company from 1973-1982 and small scale trenching on the vein was carried out. 800 pounds of massive galena was trucked to the Brunswick Mining and Smelting Plant at Belledune, N.B. for testing purposes. At the same time an open cut was made along the entire length of exposed mineralization to a maximum depth of 25 feet. Three shipments of hand-picked ore totalling 152.38 tons were made between August and November. The average grade of ore for these shipments was 62% lead and 85.26 ounces per ton silver. The company had also completed 7 diamond drill holes total length of 625 feet. These holes showed the mineralization continuing strongly to the west. In 1975, the vein was followed westward by an underground drift from the west end of the open cut. The vein was high grade for 125 feet. The ore above the drift which did not extend to surface was then extracted. In 1975, 93 tons of hand-picked ore was shipped to the Cominco smelter at Trail, B.C.. The grade of this ore was 62% Pb and 82.70 ounces per ton silver. In 1976-77, 4 diamond drill holes explored the westward extension of the vein for 400 feet. All four holes intersected the vein, three of them showing typical massive galena. Prace completed 120 metres of underground development in 1979 with a decline that reached 30.5 metres in depth. A small mill was built and stockpiled ore processed to produce a concentrate which reportedly graded 80% lead and 100 ounces per ton silver. Ground electromagnetics(VLF) and magnetometer surveys were completed in 1980 over six claims to the north and west of the mine. 2 EM conductors were discovered, one of which indicated a westward extension of the mineralized zone located at the mine. Another 1091 metres of drilling was completed by Prace in 1981, only 112 tons of lead-silver concentrate was shipped and Prace went into receivership in 1982. Sill Lake Silver Mines Ltd. acquired the property in 1982 and entered into a joint venture agreement with Royal Gold and Silver Corporation in 1983 to process over 4000 tons of silver-lead ore and tailings from the previous operation. This agreement was terminated a year later due to low silver prices. Ore reserves in the mine were reported in the Northern Miner on December 1, 1983 at 20,000-60,000 tons grading 12 ounces per ton Ag and 10% Pb. The mine was put into production at a rate of 100-120 tons per day but after a year production ceased due to lower silver prices. In 1995 the property was staked by George Luciuck and Cliff Hicks and completed a soil geochemistry survey and diamond drilling. In 2007-2008, RX Exploration ltd. and Gilead Minerals Corp., completed an IP survey that was to identify anomalous resistivity/chargeability trends. The companies have completed a 12 hole diamond drill program to test the identified anomalies. The company has dewatered the existing mine decline on site underground to the 125 foot level in order for the company to conduct underground sampling.
| Office File Number | Online Assessment File Identifier | Online Assessment File Directory |
|---|---|---|
| SSMP Vankoughnet-16 | 20000000880 | 20000000880 |
| SSMP Vankoughnet-17 | 41K16SW9397 | 41K16SW9397 |
| Vankoughnet-0010 | 41K16SE0037 | 41K16SE0037 |
Province: Southern
Subprovince: Cobalt Basin
Supergroup: Huronian Supergroup
Geological Age: Paleoproterozoic
Jun 23, 2011 (A Pace) - The property is geologically located at the base of a Nipissing diabase sill, in contact with argillite of the Gowganda Formation. The mineralized vein is not in contact with the main Nipissing diabase sill exposed north of the mine.
| Rank | Mineral Name | Class | Economic Mineral Type | Alteration Mineral Type | Alteration Ranking | Alteration Intensity | Alteration Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galena | Economic | Ore | ||||
| 2 | Sphalerite | Economic | Ore | ||||
| 3 | Chalcopyrite | Economic | Ore | ||||
| 4 | Tetrahedrite | Economic | Ore | ||||
| 1 | Pyrite | Economic | Gangue | ||||
| 2 | Pyrrhotite | Economic | Gangue | ||||
| 3 | Quartz | Economic | Gangue | ||||
| 4 | Carbonate | Economic | Gangue |
Jun 23, 2011 (A Pace) - The main mineralization vein appears to be in contact with a localized gabbro dyke and wackes of the Gowganda Formation. Mineralization consists of veins of massive, coarse-grained galena within tension fractures in a northwest-trending fault zone. The main vein strikes N60W and dips 70 degrees to the south and intersects both the gabbro dyke and sediments. Tetrahedrite occurs throughout. It is not visible in hand specimen but has been observed microscopically. The silver content, is believed to be in argentiferous tetrahedrite (freibergite) occurring as inclusions in the galena. In some places there is coarse disseminated galena between the veins. Pyrite and chalcopyrite are common but occur in small quantities. The gangue minerals are quartz and calcite and are well crystallized. Hematite is common and appears red-brown within the alteration envelope. An open cut was made on the main vein for a length of 240 feet to the west From 0 to 80 feet to the west 18 samples were taken with an average grade of 42% Pb and 31 oz/ton Ag. From 80 to 240 feet to the west where mineralization ends in the surface outcrop, the open cut was taken to an average depth of 25 feet. The average of 19 samples from this section was 62% Pb and 85 oz/ton Ag. Although mineralization had pinched out on surface in the west face of the open cut it was very strong in the lower part of the face and in order to follow this mineralization a drift tunnel was started in 1975. The vein was followed in the drift for 130 feet until the mineralization pinched out in the face and then the ore above the drift was mined out. The average of14 samples from the drift was 62.4% Pb and 88.1 oz/ton Ag over a width of 0.60 feet. A spiral decline followed by a straight decline was driven westwards on the vein. The average of 45 chip samples taken at ten foot intervals from the back of the decline is 33.7% Pb and 41.65 oz/ton Ag over a width of 1.13 feet. the best intersection was 100 feet with an average of 42.2% Pb, 59.6 oz/ton Ag over a width of 1.62 feet.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| 1 | Vein |
| Rank | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Vein |
Date: Sep 22, 2008
Geologist: A Pace
Notes: A property visit was made in the fall of 2008 to the Prace Mine property. Staff had the opportunity to sample along the main vein striking N60W and dipping 70 degrees to the south. The vein consists of coarse, disseminated galena between the quartz vein with minor pyrite an chalcopyrite. Hematite appears to be the dominant alteration mineral appearing red-brown in colour. Staff of the SSM RGP office sampled a section of teh main mineralized vein hosted within the argillaceous unit of the Gowganda Formation. The sample assayed 8g/t Ag and 0.02% Zn. Staff had the opportunity to view the underground workings as they proceeded into the decline to the 120 foot level. Mineralization consisted of massive galena within quartz veining. As the vein trends west, the mineralization, along with the vein size, increases. Mineralization along the easterly trend of the vein appears to decrease in size and pinch out.
| Zone | Year | Category | Tonnes | Reference | Comments | Commodities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sill Lake Property | 2010 | Indicated Mineral Resource | 67941 | NI 43-101 Report, Chemrox Technologies Inc. SSMP Vankoughnet-20 | 136 ppm Ag, 296,843 oz Ag, 6452 ppm Pb, 2177 ppm Zn. These are at 60 ppm cut-of-grade. | Lead 6452 ppm, Silver 136 ppm, Zinc 2177 ppm |
| Sill Lake Property | 2010 | Measured Mineral Resource | 35703 | NI 43-101 Report, Chemrox Technologies Inc. SSMP Vankoughnet-20 | 141 ppm Ag, 161,490 oz Ag, 6371 ppm Pb, 2274 ppm Zn. These are at 60 ppm cut-of-grade. | Lead 6371 ppm, Silver 141 ppm, Zinc 2274 ppm |
| Sill Lake Property | 1980 | Unclassified | 20321 | NI 43-101 Report, Chemrox Technologies Inc. | Historic resource: 20,000 tons @ 41.5 oz/t Ag and 33.7 lb Pb over 1.13 feet (NI43-101 rpt, p. 48) | Lead 33.7 Pounds, Silver 41.5 oz/T |
| Year | Tonnes | Commodities | Reference | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 423 | Assessment File SSMP Vankoughnet -17 | Metal in March 1978 shipment to Trail, B.C.: Lead-66.25 tons, Silver-8380.5 ounces | |
| 1975 | 93 | Assessment File SSMP Vankoughnet-17 | Metal in shipment to Trail, B.C., Lead-57.66 tons and Silver 7691 ounces | |
| 1974 | 172 | Assessment File SSMP Vankoughnet-17 | Metal in shipments to Brunswick Mining and Smelting- lead-106.87 tons and Silver -14,697 ounces |
File - Resident Geologist files Resident Geologist files Vankoughnet-0011-A1, SSMP Vankoughnet-01, SSMP Vankoughnet-14, SSMP Vankoughnet-20
Publication Number: Date:
Author:
Publisher Name:
Location: SSM RGP office
Map - Geological series, Precambrian geology, Havilland-Goulais Bay area, Algoma District
Publication Number: P2959 Scale: 1:15,840 Date: 1986
Author: Born P., Worona R., Stephenson C.D.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Mono - Report of Activities 2008, Resident Geologist Program, Timmins Regional Resident Geologist Report: Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie Districts
Publication Number: OFR6235 Page: 21-22 Date: 2009
Author: Atkinson B.T., Pace A., Woo H., Wilson A.C., Butorac S., Draper D.M.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Map - Geological compilation series, Batchawana sheet, districts of Algoma and Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie Mining Division
Publication Number: P0302 Scale: 1:126,720 Date: 1997
Author: Giblin P.E., Leahy E.J.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Map - Sault Ste. Marie-Elliot Lake, geological compilation series, Algoma, Manitoulin and Sudbury districts
Publication Number: M2419 Scale: 1:253,440 Date: 1979
Author: Giblin P.E., Leahy E.J.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Article - 1979 report of the Sault Ste. Marie Resident Geologist
Publication Number: MP091.007 Page: 97, 99 Date: 1997
Author: Bennett G., Leahy E.J.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Compend - Annual report of the Regional and Resident Geologists, 1980
Publication Number: MP095 Page: 109, 111 Date: 1981
Author: Kustra C.R.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Article - 1981 report of the Sault Ste. Marie Resident Geologist
Publication Number: MP101.008 Page: 129 Date: 1997
Author: Bennett G.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Compend - Report of activities, Regional and Resident Geologists, 1982
Publication Number: MP107 Page: 142 Date: 1983
Author: Kustra C.R.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Compend - Report of activities, 1985, Regional and Resident Geologists
Publication Number: MP128 Page: 239 Date: 1986
Author: Kustra C.R.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Mono - Geology of the Havilland-Goulais Bay area, District of Algoma
Publication Number: OFR5602 Page: 50-53 Date: 1987
Author: Born P.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Thesis - The Prace Pb-Zn-Ag Deposit
Publication Number: BSc Thesis Date: 1977
Author: Robinson, D.J.
Publisher Name: University of Western Ontario
Location: SSM RGP
Compend - Annual report of the Regional and Resident Geologists, 1974
Publication Number: MP060 Page: 154-155 Date: 1975
Author: Pye E.G.
Publisher Name: Ontario Division of Mines
Location:
Compend - Annual report of the Regional and Resident Geologists, 1975
Publication Number: MP064 Page: 93 Date: 1976
Author: Kustra C.R.
Publisher Name: Ontario Division of Mines
Location:
Article - 1976 report of the Northeastern Regional Geologist and Sault Ste. Marie Resident Geologist
Publication Number: MP071.007 Page: 97 Date: 1997
Author: Giblin P.E.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Article - 1977 report of Northeastern Regional Geologist and Sault Ste. Marie Resident Geologist
Publication Number: MP078.007 Page: 83 Date: 1997
Author: Giblin P.E.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Article - 1978 report of Northeastern Regional Geologist and Sault Ste. Marie Resident Geologist
Publication Number: MP084.007 Page: 91 Date: 1997
Author: Giblin P.E., Leahy E.J.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Compend - Report of activities, 1983, Regional and Resident Geologists
Publication Number: MP117 Page: 180 Date: 1984
Author: Kustra C.R.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Compend - Report of activities, 1984, Regional and Resident Geologists
Publication Number: MP122 Page: 211 Date: 1985
Author: Kustra C.R.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Article - Sault Ste. Marie Resident Geologist's area, Northeastern Region
Publication Number: MP134.009 Page: 235 Date: 1997
Author: Bennett G., Leahy E.J., Donald J.P., Frey E.D., Kral J.J., Tortosa D.J.J.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Publication - Sill Lake Lead-Silver Property, Final Report
Publication Number: Date: 2010
Author: S. Miller
Publisher Name: Chemrox Technologies Inc.
Location: http://argentiumresources.com/projects
Article - Kenora Resident Geologist's area - 1987
Publication Number: MP138.001 Page: 201 Date: 1997
Author: Blackburn C.E., Hailstone M.H., Parker J.R., Storey C.C.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Compend - Report of activities, 1991, Resident Geologists
Publication Number: MP158 Page: 221 Date: 1992
Author: Fenwick K.G., Newsome J.W., Pitts A.E.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Mono - Report of Activities 1993, Resident Geologists
Publication Number: OFR5892 Page: 302 Date: 1994
Author: Baker C.L., Dressler B.O., Mason J.K., Newsome J.W.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Mono - Report of Activities 1997, Resident Geologists Program, Timmins Regional Resident Geologist's Report: Timmins-Sault Ste. Marie Districts
Publication Number: OFR5972 Page: 5 Date: 1998
Author: Atkinson B.T., Hailstone M.H., Wilson A.C., Draper D.M., Hope P., Morra P.M., Egerland D.C.
Publisher Name: Ontario Geological Survey
Location:
Thesis - Copper Metallogeny, North Shore Region of Lake Huron, Ontario
Publication Number: PhD Thesis Page: 287 Date: 1980
Author: Pearson, W.N.
Publisher Name: Queen's University
Location: Sault Ste. Marie RGP office
We are continuously updating our assessment file / technical report information. If you notice errors in the data, please contact us.
Please review our Terms of Use agreement for this data product.
For detailed information regarding this mineral record please contact the Sault Ste. Marie Resident Geologist District Office