VANCOUVER, June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Roca Mines Inc.
(TSX-V: ROK) ("Roca" or "the Company") has now received production
reports and mill assays for the three months ended May 31, 2010.
The MAX Molybdenum Mine continues to operate at targeted Phase I
throughput rates with good efficiency and excellent recovery. Ore
production from the single-stoping areas has returned average
mine-diluted head grades that remain below targets in the
period.
During the period, production originated from the 805 stope and,
as reported previously, estimates for that level suggested higher
grades than were realized. However, during the month of
May 2010, production commenced from
the 780 stope. The initial material mined on 780L was expected to
be in the 0.35% Mo range, and is anticipated to improve as the
stope is expanded. Stoping has continued on 780L and current
production suggests improved grades over the average shown
below.
The following table provides a summary of production data for
the last three months:
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MAX Mine Statistics Q3-2010
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MAR '10 APR '10 MAY '10 TOTAL
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Molybdenum Produced (lbs)(1) 136,910 115,235 116,881 369,026
Average Head Grade (% Mo) 0.41 0.39 0.34
Molybdenum Recovery (%) 96 96 96
Mill Availability (%) 97 99 100
Average Daily Throughput (tpd) 505 461 514
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Note 1: molybdenum contained in concentrate.
Development crews are advancing on the 750 metre level and
operations continue to work toward the Phase II 1,000 tonne/day
plan. The development of multiple stopes in the Phase II plan will
reduce the impact of single-stope production difficulties
encountered during 2009 and 2010.
In April, the Company received an amendment to its operating
permit M-226, approving an increase in production to its planned
Phase II, 1,000 tonnes/day throughput rate from the British
Columbia Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
(BC-MEMPR).
Scott Broughton, P.Eng. is the
43-101 qualified person responsible for the preparation of this
news release.
ROCA MINES INC.
"Scott Broughton"
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Scott E. Broughton - President and CEO
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Roca Mines Inc.