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Blackwater mine closer to operation

First gold pour expected in fall 2024
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Artemis Gold is one step closer to commisioning their Blackwater mine, signing a contract and partnering with Sedgman Canada for engineering, procurement and construction of their processing plant. (Photo courtesy Artemis)

Artemis Gold Inc. announced finalizing a $318 million contract for the engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and commissioning of the processing plant and associated infrastructure at the company’s Blackwater mine project, south of Vanderhoof, with Sedgman Canada Limited.

“The execution of the EPC contract for the process plant and associated infrastructure at this price is a very significant achievement by our team in the current economic environment,” said Steven Dean, Artemis chairman and CEO. “In partnership, we will work to finalize the design and engineering of the Blackwater project in advance of the start of major development activities. Blackwater is on track for the start of major construction activities in Q1 2023, following receipt of Mines Act and other permits in fall 2022, with commissioning in H1 2024.”

The first gold pour is expected in the third quarter of 2024, according to a release from Artemis.

Artemis continues to evaluate the potential to award additional construction packages under an EPC agreement type structure to further enhance the risk management of the total capital expenditure for Blackwater.

Blackwater is expanding its camp and adding more beds in preparation for the construction of the major work. Trucks with camp trailers will drive through town and out to the project site, 110 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof.

A blessing ceremony was performed at the project site, located on the traditional territories of the Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation and the Ulkatcho First Nation in early August.

The cultural significance of the blessing ceremony is to clear negative energy and welcome positive energy, preparing the Blackwater site for the start of construction activities. The ceremony gives thanks to the land for the opportunities and gifts that it has provided.

“We are grateful to have been able to collaborate with Ulkatcho and Artemis Gold in the Blackwater land blessing ceremony,” said Chief Liliane Squinas of the Lhoosk’uz Dené First Nation “It is an important step in recognizing not only the ancestors that came before us but the opportunities that this project represents to the future generations.”