Copper Cliff North (Sudbury)

As a result of the evaluation of the 178 deposit, the economic viability of the 191 orebody project, which is located approximately 500 metres north of the 178 deposit, has been enhanced. An exploration ramp has been collared on the 4,000-foot level and will be advanced north from a production shaft, past the 178 deposit location to the 191 orebody, a total of about 2,000 metres. An exploration drilling program on the 178 deposit is scheduled to begin from this ramp in early 2007.

At the Copper Cliff North Mine discovery, an extension of the 138 orebody was discovered, and contained high-grade platinum-group metals. Located 400 metres north of the mine shaft, the deposit was brought into production in the last quarter of 2000. It contains a proven reserve of 300,000 tonnes grading 16.4 g/t of combined platinum-group metals and gold, 0.9% Ni 4.5% Cu. Exploration was continuing as the deposit was open at depth. In 1999, production was ongoing. Placed on stand-by in 1978 and reactivated as a combined production and research station. An automated load-haul-dump vehicle which is remotely controlled from surface began underground testing in Feb/91.

Inco Ltd. reported several significant platinum and palladium mineralization discoveries at three of its Sudbury, Ontario operations. New high grade ore discoveries are part of its ongoing efforts to increase palladium and platinum production from Totten, McCreedy East and Copper Cliff North mines. Inco plans to produce 416,000 ounces of platinum group metals in 2001, a 21% increase over 2000 production.