GOLDEN PHOENIX MINERALS (GPXM)

[maverick49er]

Web Update http://www.golden-phoenix.com/ashdown.htm

Ashdown Update

November 21, 2006

Johnny, Ed and Terry take a short break from their work in the Sylvia South Zone. This underground crew is blasting and slushing the moly vein, working up-dip to build out the initial raise. The raise is being split offf into left and right stopes, and miners will be scramming along the vein and slushing the material down chutes to the loading area below. The work is focused on staying within the high-grade structures, which are visually determined at the face. Note the mineralization in the upper left area of the photo. Much of the bue-gray coloration denotes molybdenite, of which similar samples have been assayed to show grades of 5-20% Mo. Also note the care with which the working area has been framed. The timber work is essential to stabilzing the workings. While the hanging wall and foot wall are generally competant and hard as a miners head, the ground can be blocky and requires support in select areas.

Earl is seen, below, sitting in front of a working face. Note the workmanship of the timbering, as the crews develop the raise and load out areas methodically. High-grade material, with which to feed the mill, is being stockpiled. Because this work week is shortened due to Thanksgiving, the crews have been concentrating on building up a supply of mill feed with which to fire up the mill next week. Mill crews continue to work with the metallurgists to adjust the mill chemistry and processing circuits in preparation for production runs.