In the process of drill testing Anomaly “N” (a high priority VTEM conductor defining a massive sulfide target), a quartz-carbonate alteration zone with a veinlet of visible gold was intersected from 98.8 to 98.95 metres in drill-hole 13WA-33. The 0.15 metre sample assayed 2,530 g/t Au (73.8 ounces/ton). A second interval assayed 5.86 g/t Au over 1.1 metre from 100 to 101.1 meters. The auriferous zone appears to be related to an intermediate intrusive dike or sill and occurs at the contact of this intrusive and the altered mafic volcanic rocks.
This intersection of gold is the fourth gold discovery that has been made to date within the Wabassi-Tempest properties and the second to contain visible gold. Globally, gold mineralization is present in a majority of VMS districts.
In total, four drill holes were completed in the first phase of the program, which was aiming at testing three VTEM targets (K, M and N). No other significant mineralization was identified nor was anything intersected to explain the VTEM anomalies.
A down-hole gravity survey (Gravilog) was also recently completed by Abitibi Geophysics at Anomaly E. The results from the survey show dense masses in the subsurface that are coincident with and ‘off hole’ from drill intercepts where strong zinc-copper-silver mineralization is present. The upcoming drill program will include the testing of these newly defined targets at Anomaly E, including tests to determine whether the modeled shallow mineralization is present as well as the mineralization modeled at depth. Sketches representing 3D models of the gravity survey results are posted on Northern Shield’s website.
The second phase of drilling is planned to resume immediately after the spring breakup period, likely at the end of May, 2013. Much of the second phase will be focused on continuing to define the copper-zinc-silver-gold mineralization at “E.” This includes several gravity anomalies, which support previous geophysical interpretation that the mineralization extends at depth. Additional drilling will also be planned to test this exciting new gold discovery at “N”.
The Wabassi project is being overseen by Christine Vaillancourt, Chief Geologist for Northern Shield and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. The drilling was conducted by Vital Drilling Ltd. of Sudbury, Ontario. Samples were analyzed by ALS Minerals laboratories in Vancouver, BC for Au by fire assay with ICP-AES finish and base metals by four acid digestion and ICP-AES. Ore grade gold was analyzed with ALS’s Au-GRA21 method, a fire assay with gravimetric finish. Down-hole gravity was completed by Abitibi Geophysics Ltd. of Val d’Or, Quebec.
Northern Shield is an innovative, results-driven Canadian company focused on Platinum Group Element (PGE) and nickel-copper-(PGE) exploration in Canada and Greenland and copper-zinc-silver exploration on its Wabassi and Storm properties in northern Ontario. Its mission is to create a successful mineral exploration company through technical excellence and efficient management, where success is measured by the identification and development of high-quality mineral exploration projects, which may ultimately be optioned, sold or developed for maximum return on investment.
Read the press release here.