In March, Aquila Resources engaged Osisko Technical Services to lead an optimized feasibility study for the Back Forty Project in Michigan. Aquila said it is leveraging OTS’ combined engineering, permitting, construction and operating expertise to unlock value and advance the Back Forty Project through its next phase of development.
A key objective of the optimized Feasibility Study is to reflect feedback from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) and the local community since the original Back Forty permits were issued. By incorporating the underground mine plan in the feasibility study and modifying the project footprint, the company expects to demonstrate substantially reduced surface impact, including wetland impacts, and a longer mine life for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Current feasibility study activities are focused on evaluating open pit configurations and surface infrastructure layouts that avoid direct impact to regulated wetlands; progressing underground mine planning including ore delivery scheduling, ventilation, and confirming the location of the box cut; updating the mineral resource estimate using current metal prices and Net Smelter Return calculations; and preparing samples for additional metallurgical tests to support a simplified process flowsheet and enhanced gold recoveries.
The company plans to complete the feasibility study in the fourth quarter.
