Feb 28 2011
As previously reported, underground channel sampling continues at Nambija in accessible drifts in order to increase our geological knowledge and better define the boundaries of the known mineralization.
To date, approximately 1,000 samples have been collected along the eastern El Tierrero structure which has been defined on the property for a length of 450 metres and a minimum width of 50 metres. Recent sampling continues to intersect widespread gold with intermittent copper in the central and northern portions of El Tierrero.
Sample series UG-0641 to UG-0700 were collected from a drift in the central portion of El Tierrero just north of, and approximately 25 metres vertically below, the Audaces pit which, as previously reported, hosts both high and low grade gold mineralization. The assay results from the underground sampling continues to encounter isolated high grade gold values, but also widespread, low grade gold mineralization unlike that encountered in the drilling program where local higher grade intersections occurred as isolated pods with relatively abrupt boundaries. The average gold grade for all samples collected in this drift was 1.06 grams per tonne. The copper values in this area are subdued, averaging 0.07% Cu while silver averaged 1.00 gram per tonne.
Approximately 230 metres north of, and near the same elevation as, the Audaces pit, another extensive drift was sampled (Samples UG-0701 to UG-0796). Of the 92 samples collected, 16 were above 1 gram per tonne gold, the highest being 17.1 grams per tonne. In this portion of El Tierrero, the widespread nature of the mineralization stands out with 40% of the samples being greater than 0.5 grams per tonne gold. As in previous sampling, higher grade zones are present, however the underground sampling is beginning to demonstrate that they are surrounded by lower grade mineralization. The average gold grade in all samples from this drift was 1.00 gram per tonne; copper averaged 0.08% and silver averaged 1.37 grams per tonne.
Just north of this location, sampling was conducted in a smaller drift (Samples UG-0797 to UG-0809) returning an average of 2.11 grams per tonne, gold; 0.18% copper and 1.73 grams per tonne, silver. Of the 13 samples collected 10 samples returned copper values greater than 0.10% copper, the highest value being 0.82%. The highest gold value was 22.7 grams per tonne.
In the context of a lower grade, porphyry system, the recent underground results are encouraging, demonstrating a more widespread envelope of mineralization and an apparent vertical zoning pattern with gold mineralization in the upper levels giving way to an increase in copper with increasing depth. The drifts selected for study cover a vertical range of approximately 35 to 40 meters with samples collected at approximately 10 meter intervals from both the walls and the back (roof) of the drift. The underground sample data will be integrated with previous sampling data, diamond drill intersections and surface data for the purpose of creating a digital model of the mineralization and geology in advance of a planned detailed drill program.
Source: Canuc Resources Corporation