According to Glencairn, sampling of solution discharge from the leach pad as well as solid sampling of the leach pad confirmed that cyanide concentrations are now at acceptable levels that pose no threat to the environment. The company said its analysis of cyanide levels from water and solid samples has been confirmed by independent laboratories.

Safety measures included detailed monitoring of the solution discharge from the pad and solid samples taken from trenches and boreholes in the leach pad itself. All cyanide or other potential contaminants common to the mining operations have been removed from the site. Rinsing of the leach pad, monitoring and sampling of solution discharge as well as solid sampling are continuing until a final technical status report is complete.

Rainfall in the Miramar area of Costa Rica has continued to be abnormally heavy and has caused surface erosion in some areas of the mine site. The mine has implemented remedial actions such as placing protective tarping to reduce rain-induced erosion and is reinforcing and filling eroded areas.

Glencairn said that “deep seated ground creep” is continuing in certain areas of the mine site, while at other areas of the mine there has been no movement recorded. The pit, mill and crushing plant have not been affected by the ground movement. The creep is occurring in the area between the processing plant and the leach pads and following deep bedrock troughs at the contact between the andesite basement and the paleosoil layer.

Peter Tagliamonte, president and CEO of Glencairn, said, “With the successful reduction of cyanide levels, concern that ground creep movement could compromise the liner, subliner and drain system is no longer critical and any potential impacts on the environment have been significantly reduced.”

Glencairn said geotechnical drilling is continuing in order to gain additional data and understanding of the ground conditions, as recommended by consultants. If a costefficient permanent solution is not found to the ground movement problem or required permitting for remediation is not obtained, the company said it is possible that the mine may remain on hold indefinitely.