Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX-V:BGM) is helping one of B.C.’s original gold rush towns return to its roots with a new mine.
The Vancouver-based junior announced Friday its 600-tonne per day QR gold mine and mill has started crushing and grinding ore. Saving any unforeseen hiccups the company should pour its first gold bar next week.
“It’s huge,” said Barkerville spokesman Spiro Kletas. “There are not many companies, especially junior companies, that have producing mines.”
The QR is located just outside the historic settlement of Barkerville, B.C., where in 1861 a miner named Billy Barker struck it rich.
If the company’s other project, Bonanza Ledge, receives its permits this year, Barkerville hopes to produce 50,000 ounces of gold during the next 12 months.
President and CEO Frank Callaghan told BIV he is ecstatic about working in such a famous part of the province.
“One hundred fifty years ago guys were digging this stuff out with a pick and shovel and they were walking up there with mules and horseback,” said Callaghan. “Now, 150 years later, we’re back in the same camp … and it’s nice to see the camp stay alive.”