In 1990, Curragh Resources announced its intention to spend $70 million to develop a high-grade zinc-lead-silver mine at Mt. Hundere, 54 km north of Watson Lake. The deposit has formed by the replacement of limestone at the sheared contact between Lower Cambrian limestone and phyllite. Proved reserves are approximately 4 million tonnes in 4 zones, with an average grade of 8.45% Pb, 132.% Zn and 50 g/t Ag. The ore is coarse grained and free of impurities and the waste will be non-acid generating due to the limestone host rock and the relatively low amount of waste sulphides. Production is estimated at 100 000 to 150 000 tonnes of concentrate per year over a mine life of 8.5 years.
