Buena Vista is a magnetite iron ore mine which produced nearly 1,000,000 tons of iron ore between 1951 and 1958. Iron mineralization occurs as high-grade pods, veins, and disseminations within heavily altered volcanic rock. Total iron grade is reported to average 19.4% Fe with isolated grades being as high as 68.7%.
Nevada Iron plans to fast-track bringing the project back into production and has engaged SRK Consulting (U.S.), Inc. as an advisor for the startup.
The mine will be developed in three stages as outlined below:
- Stage 1: Direct Ship Ore (DSO) – 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes/mo ~250,000 tonnes shipped. Planned start is December 2021.
- Stage 2: Dry Magnetic Beneficiated Iron Ore Fines (< 2 mm) – 80,000 to 100,000 tonnes/mo
- Stage 3: Wet Magnetic Beneficiated Iron Ore Concentrate – 2,000,000 tonnes/yr
