Metallum Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:MRV) has announced that following its recently completed geophysical program it has now commenced the geological campaign on its M-18 gold and silver property, comprising an extensive program of geological mapping, detailed outcrop channel sampling, and approximately 8 kilometres ("km.") of trenching with channel sampling.
Metallum anticipates that the channel sampling programs from both the outcrop areas and trenches will be completed by early December, 2011. The first batch of analytical results from the sampling are expected to be returned from the laboratory by mid-November, 2011.
The objective of the trenching with channel sampling program is to expose additional strike and width to the 1.2 km strike and 0.5 km width of the known gold/silver mineralization, which is covered by a thin veneer of gravels at its perimeter and remains open in all directions. Trenches are being dug at 50 metre ("m") spacings perpendicular to the northwest-southeast strike of the mineralized zone, on both the northeast and southwest flanks of the mineralized zone, and extending approximately 100 m beyond the exposed mineralization along strike of the mineralized zone. The length of each planned trench averages approximately 150 m extending from outcrop, however, the ultimate length will be dictated by any potential topographical and/or depth to bedrock impediments that may occur. Channel sampling of bedrock within the trenches will be at continuous 2 m intervals, with 1 m samples taken in areas of visually interesting geology.
The objective of the outcrop channel sampling program is to complete a systematic evaluation of gold, silver, and possible base metal mineralization occurring along the 1.2 km. strike and 0.5 km. width of the exposed gold/silver mineralization occurring within the low sulphidation epithermal vein system zone identified by Silver Standard Resources Inc. ("Silver Standard") during a previous outcrop sampling program. Here, gold and silver values obtained by Silver Standard, with subsequent follow-up by Metallum, ranged up to 4.6 grams per tonne gold and 185.0 grams per tonne silver. Rock channels will be cut utilizing a pneumatic hammer at 25 m intervals perpendicular to the strike of epithermal veins with continuous 1 m intervals within the veins and at least 2 m into the wall rock hosting the veins. In zones of stockwork veining, sampling will be at continuous 1 m intervals for a minimum of 50 m across the zone.
Also, the geological campaign will evaluate the large untested zone of argillic alteration occurring within a few hundred metres of the known gold/silver mineralization in context with its associated strong IP chargeability/low resistivity response identified from the geophysical survey. Work here will entail detailed mapping and outcrop sampling.
The exploration program at the M-18 property is designed and coordinated by Metallum. Professional technical personnel, logistics, and daily project management is provided by Rojas & Asociados Mining Consultants of Mendoza, Argentina.
Results compiled from this geological campaign as well as the recently completed geophysical program will identify primary targets for a Phase 1 drilling campaign planned for Q-4, 2011/Q-1, 2012.
Source: www.metallumresourcesinc.com