Power Ore creates 3D model of former Perry mine at Opemiska

The Opemiska copper mine in the 1970s. Credit: Power Ore

Toronto-based Power Ore has completed the digitization and 3D modelling of the former Perry copper-gold mine at its Opemiska project near Chapais, Quebec. The mine produced about 9 million tonnes of ore at grades of 2.16% copper and 0.14 g/t gold.

Falconbridge operated the Opemiska complex – Springer and Perry mines – from 1953 to 1991.

Power One went back to the original diamond drill logs of 139,000 metres including 31,305 individual assays to create the Perry block model. Level plans, stopes and veins also went into the model. The result is a 3D look at 877 stopes that represent the mined out material. The new 3D model supports a bulk minable underground deposit.

The company has also done considerable work on the former Springer mine at Opemiska, including a 3D model. The recent work for the Perry mine is the beginning of serious investigations there.

(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)