Introduction

This is the second annual report for the Mackay School of Mines project currently called the "Burrus Project." The project is establishing a mining laboratory in the form of a working underground mine to be used for teaching, training and research. I t will be built using mainly student volunteer work, volunteer mining community expertise and donated funds and materials. Although its primary purpose is to ensure the quality of education at the Mackay School of Mines, the Lab is also available for u se by all faculty and students in the University system. In addition, it should prove useful to State and Federal agencies.

The property on which the facility is being established is about 30 miles northwest of the UNR campus in the old Pyramid mining district. The Burrus mineralization, in the precious metal halo of a deeply buried porphyry copper system, consists of north westerly striking almost vertical structures with enargite mineralization containing in places significant precious metals. Wall rocks appear to be the Oligocene Hartford Hill rhyolite tuff.

Some of the underground workings on the property may date from the 1860s but the most recent work, prior to University acquisition, was probably about 1960. There is now a 223 ft shaft, two shallower minor shafts and three adits that total about 700 ft of horizontal openings. The workings are narrow and unsuitable for modern mining equipment.

The mining laboratory when developed will consist of facilities for both track and rubber-tired drifting, including power, compressed air, water, haulage and ventilation systems. Also support facilities such as shops, warehouse, offices, classrooms, bun khouse and watchman's quarters are planned. The Burrus Adit will be slashed to 5' wide by 7' high for track haulage and the lower MP&H Adit will be slashed to 10' by 10' for rubber tired haulage.

As the primary purpose of the facility is to teach and train students, as much as possible of the planning, scheduling, procuring, supervision and work is being done by students who are in turn supervised by faculty and/or volunteer professionals.

Priorities from the beginning have been to protect the public, operate safely, and minimize adverse impact on the environment.