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Myra Falls Mine
Owner: Nyrstar

In August 2011, Nyrstar successfully completed its acquisition of Breakwater Resources, the owner of the Myra Falls mine in Canada. There have been over 100 years of mineral exploration activity in central Vancouver Island and over four decades of active mining at Myra Falls.
 
Active mining has been carried out at Myra Falls since 1966 starting with the Lynx open pit and underground operations, followed in 1969 with the Myra mine. In 1979, the H-W massive sulphide deposit was discovered prompting the installation of new infrastructure and an expansion of the milling facilities to 2,700 tonnes per day. This was later increased to 3,650 tonnes per day. In 1991, the Battle and Gap deposits were discovered. The Lynx underground mine closed in 1993. In 1995, the Marshall deposit was discovered. In 1996, mining in the Battle-Gap zone commenced.
 
The mineral deposits comprise complex metalzoned volcanogenic massive sulphides contained in the 450 metre thick Myra Formation of the Sicker Group volcanic assemblage. The Myra Formation hosts a geologically diverse collection of mineralised bodies including poly-metallic massive sulphides, poly-metallic disseminated sulphides, zoned pyritic massive sulphides and stringer sulphide zones. The principal minerals are sphalerite, pyrite and chalcopyrite with minor galena, bornite, tennantite and locally significant secondary copper.
 
In 2009 the mine reacted to the worldwide decline in the metals market by restructuring the operation. Mine planning and execution focused on recently discovered higher grade ore deposits enabling a reduction in costs while achieving favourable concentrate production. Through the ensuing period, Myra Falls has continued a focus on identifying and implementing opportunities that provide continuous improvement to the operation. Included in these initiatives are site water management that ensures environmental compliance, a power strategy that maximises the use of hydro power (nearly eliminating the need for diesel generated power), and Mill upgrades that provide improved recoveries of primary products and also the production of a new lead concentrate product.
 
c/o Spit Rd
P.O. Box 8000
Campbell River, British Columbia
Canada V9W 5E2
 
Phone:+ (250) 287-9271
Fax:+ (250) 287-7123