MARQUETTE, MI-- Eagle Mine says it’s ending its regional exploration program in Houghton and Baraga Counties.
External Affairs Manager Matt Johnson says the program began with aerial magnetic surveys in 2018 and drilling on targets began earlier this year.
Johnson says it comes down to money, and the company’s budget had to be evaluated against success in finding minable bodies of ore.
“We’ve decided to conclude that program just based on really the chance of, the chance of success,” he says.
Eagle is now focusing its efforts on the Eagle East ore body discovered in 2016. Johnson says mining at Eagle East will begin by the end of this year.
Officials expect the Eagle Mine to continue to operate until 2023, but Johnson says that timeline could change.
“We, however, are spending significant efforts on underground exploration around the Eagle East ore body with the hope of extending the life of mine beyond 2023.”
New mine data and resource estimates will be released next month.
