The mining season is only from May-June to Oct-Nov, each
year...until underground capable facilities are constructed.
The first year is primarily the dumps and the preparation of
the first mine for year-round activity.
From what I understand, enough ore will be brought to the
mill over this summer for 12 months of operating the mill
during 2008-2009. This then leads into operation of the first
mine in 2009, and the ore from that mine, to fill the mill
pipeline from that point forward. It's possible that the
mines may still only operate during the tight window caused
by snow, each year...but, enough ore would be brought down
each period to last the full year at the mill.
Everone has to remember that the mines are at 8,500 feet,
and 30 to 100 feet of snow falls on the mines each
winter. There is only so much ability to keep the roads
open.
