A gold and copper mine near Kamloops could have an even longer life span as its owners evaluate three new potential zones within the New Afton mine.

A statement from New Gold says the three zones contain measured or inferred quantities of gold amounting to 627,000 ounces, and 503-million pounds of measured or inferred copper.

The findings are expected to extend the life of the mine well beyond 2030. That expansion was approved in October last year.

The statement also says New Gold’s regional exploration initiatives in south-central B.C. have been “encouraging,” and it is working on plans to use New Afton’s mill and tailings facilities to further extend the mine’s life.

“With C-Zone entering the production ramp-up phase, the Company is focused on unlocking the long-term potential of the mine,” New Gold said.

“Exploration spending has increased over the past few years allowing the Company to develop a pipeline of Mineral Resources and exploration targets, underpinning a strategic outlook for mine life extension.”

More to come