Every mining project is unique and many factors impact how companies approach mine development. But, even with all the differences to consider, the mine cycle is the same, whether the project is located in Canada, or anywhere else in the world. The timeline below illustrates the proposed schedule for the Selwyn Project in the context of the Mine Cycle.
Stage One-Exploration
At this stage, companies hire prospectors and geoscientists to identify mineral properties. The companies then do the work required to understand the size, shape and economic potential of the deposit. If it looks promising, most companies began collecting environmental data during this phase.
2005-2012 Exploration at the Selwyn Project
Zinc and lead was discovered in the area west of Howard’s Pass more than 40 years ago. Selwyn Chihong’s predecessor took over the Selwyn Project in 2005 and began an extensive exploration program at the property. This work confirmed the area was home to one of the largest zinc-lead deposits in the world.
2014 Project Achievements
- Completed Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA)
- Completed 55,000 meter, CDN$22.4 million drilling program
- Completed upgrades to Howard’s Pass Access Road (HPAR)
- Completed 2014 Baseline studies. Learn more here
- Opened Ross River Community Office
- Held community visits and site tours for students and Elders. Learn more here
Focus for 2015
WE ARE HERE, IN ADVANCED EXPLORATION, MOVING INTO DEVELOPMENT 
Stage Two – Development
This is the stage when companies plan and design their proposed mines, submit their projects for regulatory review and begin the permitting process.
2016 Prepare Feasibility Study (FS) and continue EA and permitting preparation
Selwyn Chihong plans to finalize the design of the proposed Selwyn Project during 2016, producing a Feasibility Study which will include detailed engineering work and Project budgets. At the same time, we will continue to prepare our Environmental Assessment and permit applications.
2017-2019 Enter EA and permitting processes
Selwyn Chihong will submit its Selwyn Project proposal to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) Executive Committee to initiate the environmental assessment process. Once the project is approved through YESAB, Selwyn Chihong can apply for the permits and licences needed to build and operate the proposed mine.
2019 – 2020 Apply for Yukon Water License. Begin Engineering Procurement and Construction Management activities
The Yukon Water Board will evaluate our water management plans for the Project when we submit our water license application. During this period, we also plan to begin the process of identifying and selecting the companies to work on mine construction.
Stage Three – Construction
Companies can begin construction of their mine when they receive EA approval for a project and secure the required building and operating permits. The time it takes to build a project depends on the size of the project and where it’s located. During construction, companies build the mine and the associated buildings, as well as infrastructure like roads, bridges and energy facilities.
2020-2021 Build the mine
The proposed Selwyn Project could enter production by 2022. At current resources estimates, the mine would operate for approximately 11 years. However, Selwyn Chihong will continue to develop the deposit during production which may extend the life of the mine. Selwyn Chihong intends to complete as much reclamation as possible during mine operation.
Stage Four – Production
During Production, ore is extracted from the ground and processed to separate out the valuable minerals from the rock. The mineral concentrates are shipped to a smelter for further refinement. Many companies continue exploration and development activities, to search for more mineral deposits to extend the operating life of the mine. Companies also begin reclamation work.
2022 Enter production
The proposed Selwyn Project could enter production by 2022. At current resources estimates, the mine would operate for approximately 11 years. However, Selwyn Chihong will continue to develop the deposit during production which may extend the life of the mine. Selwyn Chihong intends to complete as much reclamation as possible during mine operation.
Stage Five – Closure and Reclamation
Today, responsible mines are designed with closure in mind and detailed reclamation and monitoring plans are included in a proposed mine’s EA application. Companies are required to post financial security to cover the cost of fulfilling all reclamation and closure requirements.
Every closure and rehabilitation plan is different, depending on the specific mine. At final closure, the mine site needs to be safely shut down, equipment removed and the environment restored to a natural state.
2031 Enter reclamation
Once production ends, the proposed Selwyn Project will enter the closure and reclamation phase. Selwyn Chihong will remove equipment and buildings and begin to restore the natural environmental around the site. Selwyn Chihong’s environmental and socio-economic assessment application will include detailed closure, reclamation on monitoring plans.
