Bralorne Starts 2011 Exploration Program
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 05/04/11 -- Bralorne Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: BPM)(PINK SHEETS: BPMSF)(BERLIN: GV7)(FRANKFURT: GV7)(WKN A0B75M) (the 'Company') is pleased to announce that it has started a 2011 exploration program at its Bralorne gold operation located near Gold Bridge, British Columbia.
EXPLORATION DEVELOPMENT
Underground exploration development has now commenced with the extension of the BK decline from the surface. The decline will be driven approximately 300 meters to explore the upper BK-3 mineralized zone by drifting along the zone to establish the grade. Sublevel and raise development are planned to follow if positive results are received. Stope development could commence in about 7 months.
EXPLORATION DRILLING
The drilling program for 2011 is about to commence, with underground drilling first and surface drilling to start later in summer. The main focus of the program will be testing for extensions to the upper BK-3 zone, and exploring for other mineralized shoots and parallel veins on the BK structure. A total of 3300 meters in underground drilling and 4600 meters of surface drilling is planned. The program may be extended if positive results are obtained.
MILL PROGRESS UPDATE
The Company is also pleased to report milling operations began in early April with the processing of low grade material from the North Vein stockpile. Reduced throughput was practised during this phase of the start-up to ensure all the mill equipment was operating effectively. Mechanical and electrical issues were addressed as soon as these problems surfaced. Downtime, as expected, was high due to breakdowns with the vibrating feeder in the crushing plant and gland water issues with the tailings pumps. The mill has been operating continuously for the past 10 days with the production of gravity and flotation concentrates now that these circuits are finally at a steady state. At the end of April, a total of 4 bags weighing roughly 1.25 tonnes each of flotation concentrate had been produced grading between 3 and 4 oz/ton gold. Plans are in place to market this product once the complete suite of assays of the concentrate has been analysed by an independent lab.
Dr. Matt Ball, P.Geo., Chief Operating Officer for the Company, is the qualified person who prepared the technical information contained in this news release.
The Bralorne mine is located 150 air miles from Vancouver, BC. The Company is re-developing the former and very successful Bralorne, Pioneer and King gold mines. From 1928 to 1971, these three operations produced 4.15 million ounces of gold from 7.9 million tons of ore (equaling a grade of 0.53 ounces per ton). Bralorne, Pioneer and King represent the largest historic gold producers in the Canadian Cordillera. The Company remains well funded with no long-term or short-term debt.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.bralorne.com
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
William Kocken, President & Chief Executive Officer
This release contains statements that are forward-looking statements and are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed under the heading 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Bralorne Gold Mines Ltd.
William Kocken
President & Chief Executive Officer
604.682.3701
604.682.3600 (FAX)
ir@bralorne.com
www.bralorne.com