Excelsior Releases Pre-Production Progress Report on Gunnison Project

Excelsior Mining (TSX:MIN,FSE:3XS) has released an update on pre-production preparations at the fully-permitted Gunnison copper project in southeast Arizona.

The company said that ramp-up activities at the Johnson Camp mine (JCM) have been running in parallel with the permitting process as the company seeks to ensure an efficient transition into the pending construction and production phases. Excelsior said it was poised to be a major long-term employer within Cochise County for the next quarter century.

As quoted in the press release:

The number of employees at JCM now totals 31 individuals, as the company fills essential positions related to production. Key management personnel are in place and essential employees required to operate the production facility at JCM are being hired at a rapid pace. The JCM offices have been fully refurbished in anticipation of start-up. In addition, the drilling contract for the well field is in place and the contractor is awaiting instructions to mobilize the drilling rigs. Long lead items have been ordered and drill casing is currently on site and awaiting the arrival of the first drill rig. Additionally, early equipment and vehicles have been purchased.

Both basic and detailed engineering are complete. The project execution plan and construction plans are also complete. A general contractor has been selected and all other major contracts have now been concluded. Key corporate systems, such as safety and environment, are now in place and implemented. All other corporate systems, such as the enterprise resource planning (ERP) are nearing the completion of the implementation process.

Click here to read the full Excelsior Mining (TSXV:MIN,FSE:3XS) press release.