Mining in Manitoba
Bissett Mining Area
History of the Bissett Area
The first scientific evidence of gold potential in the Bissett
area came to light in a 1900 Geological Survey of Canada report by J.B.Tyrell. But more
than a decade would pass before there was a discovery of gold in the area.
E.A.Pelletier, an inspector in the Royal North West Mounted Police with an interest in geology, started prospecting during his patrols in southeastern Manitoba. As his interest in gold exploration increased, he began prospecting near Norway House and later Manigotagan. It is believed that during his stay in Manigotagan he came into contact with Duncan Two-hearts, a local Indian who knew the area well.
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E.A.Pelletier |
Duncan Two-hearts |
In March 1911, Twohearts led Pelletier to Rice Lake where a boulder of rusty quartz contained pure gold. The showing was impressive enough for Pelletier to stake a claim. The claim was called Gabrielle. He returned to Rice Lake and soon established the San Antonio, Ross Fraction, and Island Fraction claims.
By 1922, attention was once more focused on the San Antonio group of claims. Work performed by J.A.Reid showed promise and the Wanipigow Syndicate was formed to commence underground development of the site. Approximately 2 years later in 1927, Wanipigow Mines Ltd. was incorporated. The first known use of float equipped aircraft for passengers in Manitoba occurred in 1927 to service the site. A few months later, Wanipigow Mines under-went a change of name to become San Antonio Mines Ltd.
At about the same time, several other mining operations were underway in the Rice Lake area. Gold production commenced in 1927 when Central Manitoba Mines began operation of the Kitchener Mine at Wadhope Lake, several km northeast of Long Lake. The Tene, Growler and Hope veins were put into production soon after.
The stock market crash of 1929 stopped the flow of investment capital and active exploration in the Rice Lake area. The San Antonio mining company struggled on in face of financial crisis. Inadequate financing continued to hamper development of the mine until 1931 when the San Antonio Mines Ltd. was refinanced yet again and incorporated to become the now famous San Antonio Gold Mines Ltd. Growth of the San Antonio continued with the acquistion of adjacent land and an increased mill capacity of 350 tpd. By 1955, the mine recorded its first loss. Profitability did not return to the mine, and the company was sold to eastern interests in 1961.
The finances of the San Antonio Gold Mines were in a precarious state during the early 1960's. The mine struggled on until 1968 when a fire destroyed the hoist and operations were shut down. New Forty Four acquired the control of the property after San Antonio Gold Mines Ltd. declared bankruptcy following the 1968 fire.
Gold exploration began to increase in the Rice Lake area in 1977 as the price of gold increased. Although prices declined afterwards, it has remained high enough to ensure continued gold exploration. New Forty Four interested Brinco Mining Ltd. in a 50=50 joint venture development in Aug. 1980. The joint venture resulted in additional ore being outlined and a 250 tpd mill was put into production. The mill closed in May 1983 after the grade of the ore in the upper levels of the mine proved disappointing.
The property sat idle until 1985 when San Antonio Resources acquired an option to conduct exploration.