Pioneer Minerals (ASX:PMM) has received approval from the United States Forest Service to conduct maintenance ahead of reopening the historical Springfield Mine within the North Pine Project area in Idaho, US.
The company intends to improve site accessibility at the project area to streamline timelines for multiple workstreams, including restoring access along the existing road alignment.
Pioneer says by re-establishing access, the Springfield Mine will be open for safe and efficient mobilisation of field crews and equipment.
The company has contracted Dig Earth to support access works at the mine site.
Upcoming work programs following improved site accessibility include geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and preparing for drilling.
Near-term project initiatives that will progress concurrently include an evaluation of processing plant concepts, the rehabilitation of historical access roads, an electromagnetic survey targeting sulphide zones, and preparing applications for funding opportunities.
CEO Michael Beven says the approval to start maintenance represents a “key enabling milestone for the Springfield Project”, which will enhance the company’s ability to execute on-ground exploration activities.
“With access approval now approved, Pioneer can progress the work to reopen the historic mine road and establish safe, reliable access to the site,” Beven says.
“This will allow for efficient mobilisation of crews and equipment to support planned programs, including the electromagnetic geophysical survey, further geological sampling, and ongoing exploration activities.
“Importantly, once access is established, the ability to utilise an existing road removes the need for helicopter-supported mobilisation, which would otherwise have been required.
“This is expected to deliver a significant reduction in anticipated capital expenditure while also improving operational flexibility and timelines.”
As reported by Mining.com.au, Pioneer submitted a drilling plan for the Springfield prospect last week (14 April) to advance the tungsten-gallium target towards drill testing.
Recent rock chip sampling at Springfield delivered standout gallium results up to 128.7 parts per million (ppm) gallium oxide, with 12 samples exceeding 60ppm and 10 samples above 40ppm. The company confirmed widespread gallium enrichment across a continuous anomalous zone within the Springfield system.
High-grade tungsten assays reached 2.98% tungsten trioxide, with additional strong results including 0.96%, 0.93% and 0.83%. Gold assays peaked at 7.75 grams per tonne, supported by results of 1.51g/t and 1.49g/t.
Historical tailings delivered 3.27% tungsten trioxide concentrate with a 17.6-fold upgrade in preliminary test work.
Pioneer Minerals is a North American critical minerals explorer, advancing a portfolio of tungsten, antimony, uranium, and lithium projects.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Pioneer Minerals
