Copperstone Mine – Underground Mine Startup and Development
Client: American Bonanza
Location: Quartzsite, AZ, United States

In 2011, MES was engaged to handle the startup of this underground gold mine. This included preparing all MSHA safety plan submittals, rehabilitation of an existing decline (rockbolts, steel sets), and driving of a new 12′ x 12′ decline down to the orebody from the bottom of an open pit using roadheader through a weathered zone, transitioning to drill/blast methods.

Support for the new decline involved steel set portal, rockbolts, mesh, straps, and shotcrete as needed. MES also furnished and installed the 4160/480 volt underground electrical and mine ventilation systems and set up all necessary mine facilities in the pit bottom area and extending underground.

Upon reaching the ore zone, MES turned the facility and crew over to the owner, for the commencement of owner-operated mining operations. At the time of successful transition, the owner provided an additional $175K payment to MES above the amounts due under the contract.