Development of the Drumbo Mine: A new gypsum mine in Ontario

"The Drumbo Mine is a new gypsum mine located at exit No. 32 of Highway 401 between Woodstock and Kitchener, Ontario. The flat-lying 6-foot (1.8-metre) bed of gypsum is near the base of the Silurian Salina Formation, about 380 feet (116 metres) below surface. The mine is owned and operated by Westroc Industries Limited. A shaft, 12.5 feet (3.81 metres) in diameter, was drilled and then lined with a liner-sinking technique new to this continent. The shaft was completed in the fall of 1977. Gypsum production was started in December 1978, employing a conventional room - and - pillar method of mining.Historical BackgroundA brief mention of gypsum in the Drumbo area is included in a survey of the Ontario gypsum industry by Guillet. This occurrence was discovered in 1958 when National Gypsum conducted some widespread diamond drilling. Western Gypsum Products Limited acquired leases in 1960 and concentrated a drilling program in Blenheim Township near the village of Drumbo; 79 holes were drilled in an area of 1900 acres (770 hectares). Mining rights were then acquired for 170 0acres (690 hectares). A test shaft, 44 inches (1.1 metres) in diameter, was drilled to obtain a 50-ton (45-tonne) bulk sample. This opening will be used as an emergency escape way and for ventilation.Westroc Industries Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of BPB Industries, has its head office at Mississauga, Ontario and operates gypsum board plants at Mississauga, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Montreal. Other gypsum mines are at Windermere, B.C. and Amaranth, Manitoba."