Quesnel, B.C. – Some much-needed positive economic news for the Quesnel area with word that, following a two-year shutdown, Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. is set to restart operations at its Bonanza Ledge gold mine site, creating about 90 jobs.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines has authorized BGM’s application to amend its Mines Act permit, allowing the company to start underground operations at the mine.  It was an open pit operation from June 2014 to March 2015.

The company estimates the Bonanza Ledge Underground Mine will produce approximately 54,000 ounces of gold over the initial three year mine life. Under the conditions of its amended Mines Act permit, BGM is authorized to produce up to 150,000 tonnes per year.

Ore from the Bonanza Ledge operations will be processed at BGM’s Quesnel River (QR) Mill located at the company’s QR Mine, 80 km east of the City of Quesnel.

The Bonanza Ledge gold mine is located approximately five kilometres southeast of the District of Wells, 80 kilometres east of Quesnel. The mine is situated on the southwest flank of Barkerville Mountain, about three kilometres northwest of the Barkerville Historic Townsite.