Precious metals miner West Red Lake Gold Mines has resumed operations at its Madsen gold mine in Ontario following a temporary shutdown prompted by a fatal underground incident on June 16.

The Vancouver-based company said both the mine and mill were halted after the incident. The mill resumed operations after about 40 hours, while mining restarted 12 hours later. Ramp-up to full operations is continuing, contingent on workforce availability and safety protocols.

"With the clear exception of the tragic underground incident, ramp-up at the Madsen mine is progressing well," president and CEO Shane Williams said in a statement Wednesday.

Mill head grades have improved as the company transitions from lower-grade stockpiled sill material, processed during a May bulk sample programme, to freshly mined stope ore. Between June 12 and 15, the average milled grade rose to 6.5 g/t from about 3 g/t earlier in the month.

"The mill has been averaging 650 t/d with 95% gold recovery and has been tested at higher levels several times without issue," said Williams. "We look forward to increasing mining rates over the coming months as ramp-up equipment arrives on site and we access additional mining areas, keeping in mind the company’s number one priority is operational safety.”

Since ramp-up began on May 11, operations have sourced ore primarily from the South Austin and McVeigh zones, with additional production planned from Austin stopes later this year.

The mill continues to operate at a consistent rate of 650 t/d with gold recoveries averaging 95%. Tailings and water treatment systems are functioning as planned, the company said.

West Red Lake has sold 5 250 oz of gold year-to-date at an average price of $3 330/oz and expects another gold pour on June 25.

To support ramp-up, the company is expanding its underground fleet. Recent and expected deliveries include a Caterpillar R1300G scoop loader, two Epiroc 42-t haul trucks arriving in August and September, three Komatsu 4-yard scoops set to arrive in July, and two Maclean bolters expected in July and September.

Underground drilling continues at pace, with 38 393 m completed so far in 2025, including 19 904 m in the second quarter. Drilling has targeted high-grade zones at South Austin.

The Madsen mine sits within West Red Lake’s 47 km² land package in the prolific Red Lake district, which has produced more than 30-million ounces of gold. The company also holds the Rowan Property, which includes three past-producing mines.