Redfern clears more regulatory hurdles, plans to reopen Tulsequah Chief in '08

Redcorp Ventures Ltd. and subsidiary Redfern Resources Ltd., said they received approval from the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office for proposed design and infrastructure changes to the original mine plan of Tulsequah Chief Mine Development Project

The Vancouver-based junior is working to reopen Tulsequah Chief, an underground zinc-copper-lead-gold-silver mine near the B.C.-Alaska border that closed in 1957. Redfern is developing a project with 5.4 million metric tons in probable reserves to be produced in 8 years, and potential for more output.

Redfern is hoping to get Tulsequah Chief back into production by the end of 2008, Redcorp President and CEO Terry Chandler told reporters recently.

"The acceptance of the proposed changes to the site plan allow for a smaller environmental footprint for the mine, while increasing operational efficiency and ultimately profitability," Chandler said.

Redfern also won a 5-year extension of its original project approval certificate to December 2012. The certificate allows for the design, construction, operation and ultimate dismantlement of the mine.

One final hurdle

Redfern has one final environmental assessment amendment application in progress, to approve the use of air cushion barges on the Taku River to transport ore concentrates to Juneau. The plan would give the mine year-round access without building a 100.5-mile access road. Redfern expects the amendment, currently out for public comment, to be completed by year's end

Site work, meanwhile, is ongoing with the recent arrival by barge of supplies for bridges and a water treatment plant as well as more heavy equipment. Redfern also agreed to purchase eight 1.6-megawatt generator sets for an undisclosed sum from Carmacks Commercial Corp. of Moses Lake, Wash. to supply power to the project. The equipment was part of a little-used, standby power-generating installation.

Redfern said it is also awaiting issuance of a mineral exploration code permit, which will allow for construction of an airstrip and more work on a short road from the barge site to the mine.