Las Vegas Sun

November 12, 2009

Currently: 69° | Complete forecast | Log in

Fast facts on the Meikle mine

Saturday, Sept. 28, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The Meikle Mine is the largest underground gold mine in the country. The Meikle Deposit, first named Purple Vein, was discovered by a Goldstrike exploration crew in September 1989.

* NAME: The mine was named after Senior Vice President of Development Brian Meikle, now retired, the exploration team's lead geologist.

* DEPTH: Production shaft, 1,480 feet. Ventilation shaft, 1,320 feet.

* MINING CAPACITY: 730,000 tons of ore per year.

* GOLD PRODUCTION: 400,000 ounces per year.

* TOTAL GOLD RESERVES: 6.6 million ounces.

* GOLD GRADE: 0.68 ounces of gold per ton of ore.

* GOLD PRODUCTION COST: $125 per ounce.

* CAPITAL INVESTMENT: $180 million.

* DIRECT EMPLOYMENT: 220 workers.

archive

  • Most Read
  • Discussed
  • Most E-mailed

Calendar »

  • 12 Thu
  • 13 Fri
  • 14 Sat
  • 15 Sun
  • 16 Mon