Golden Phoenix Minerals Inc.
of Sparks said last week it will idle its Mineral Ridge gold mine for the winter.
The mine is 32 miles west of Tonopah.
Golden Phoenix said it plans to resume full operation of the mine after completion of engineering studies to improve recovery rates from ore deposits.
The company said it will halt mining and milling operations at the mine, but continue leaching operations.
Employees who aren't needed for the leaching work will be furloughed In the first nine months of this year, the mine produced 2,524 ounces of gold and 2,185 ounces of silver.
