Thursday, 1st June 2006 (2461 views)

The Idaho Forest Service has approved recent revisions to a proposal that could see a gold mine established near the town of Atlanta on the Boise river, following several months of negotiations with local residents.

Certain groups in the historic mining town of Atlanta have raised concerns about the Atlanta Gold Corporation's plans to mine for gold in two remote pit areas on high mountainous ground.

Among the main reasons for opposition to the project are the possible impact that by-products such as cyanide could have on the water supply, and the perceived dangers of transporting explosives and chemicals along the river, especially in harsh winter conditions.

In response to the concerns, Atlanta Gold has revised its plan to control construction costs and develop the project in five distinct, contained phases.

It has also agreed to take strict safety measures for transport convoys and to stop all transport operations in winter.

If the project goes ahead, a feasibility study by Atlanta Gold has estimated the mine could have a life of more than ten years, with production rates reaching 100,000 ounces per year. Existing underground reserves could also increase the mine life.

 

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