The search for zinc begins.
Cindy Vanier, representing HudBay Minerals Inc., was at Minto council recently providing an update on HudBay’s zinc exploration near Drew.
Last November, HudBay Minerals Inc. announced plans to start drilling on its south western Ontario zinc mineral properties in Minto and Wellington North Township.
The company plans to drill up to four holes to a depth of 300 metres each to test for geophysical and geochemical anomalies. The test sites are near Mount Forest and Harriston.
Exploration in northern Wellington began in the 1970s when anomalous zinc and other elements associated with Mississippi Valley type zinc deposits were identified during surveys of ground waters.
The current phase of HudBay’s exploration in the area is at an early stage.
Drilling was attempted to test one of the targets in 2004 but abandoned due to inclement weather and hole deviation prior to reaching the target depth. No other drilling was done on the property for mineral exploration.
Vanier said HudBay is taking consultative approach, meeting with local communities and agencies to seek comments on its exploration plans.
HudBay operates mines, concentrators, and a metal production facility in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as a zinc oxide production facility in Ontario, the White Pine copper refinery in Michigan, and the Balmat zinc mine operations in New York state.
In the meeting with council, Vanier said there has already been a few preliminary meetings and an office has opened near the intersection of Highways 6 and 89 in Mount Forest.
Vanier said her role is that of a liaison for HudBay, and primarily a communications consultant.
Although exploration drilling started at the first site near Drew, the weather has presented some difficulties, she said. Apparently, windy weather has knocked over the portable toilets more than once. When asked, she said no one was inside them at the time.
Two other sites are also located in Minto while the fourth one is in Wellington North, just south of Mount Forest.
Preliminary drilling is expected to be completed by the end of April.
When asked if tests would include just the four holes, Vanier explained those tests would provide initial reports for the geochemical make-up of northern Wellington and would help determine if additional tests will happen.
Her plan is to provide a public education program and hold open meetings to provide some of that information.
Topics could include one-on-one discussions of mineral exploration in Ontario, guide to surface rights, and the potential of natural gas in northern Wellington, Also being considered are school sessions geared towards specific age groups.
The plan is for a great deal of outreach.
Since drilling began, Vanier noted there has been quite a bit of “drive by” traffic at the site, but, she said, there is very little to see.
She said the drill site itself is difficult to access, and is near the back of a farm.
Although councillors are likely to be invited, the site has 24-hour security and the only way through the locked gates involves a sign-in system.
Mayor David Anderson agreed the site is not readily visible from the road, but said people are very interested in what is happening.
Councillor Larry Agla asked if there was a deadline.
Vanier responded that the four test holes provide only a geochemical cross-section. After that, the company will decide if more testing is needed.
Drilling began in December and the setup is quite extensive, she said.
Councillor Rick Hembly asked if the process will be the same as the one several years ago by another company.
Anderson said at that time, a mining company came in, looked around, “but everything was hush, hush. They were here in the municipality, but almost no one knew they were here.”
He said now it appears the approach has changed, “to let the public know and hopefully alleviate rumours. It’s a much better way of doing business.”
Vanier believes that while HudBay purchased that company, what is planned now is an entirely different approach.
“That is why I am here,” to provide information to council and the community, she explained.
