East Zone Update
As has been previously reported, our geologists continue to investigate the vast amount of historical exploration data that is available on the Nemegosenda property. One area that was initially identified by Gulf, the East Zone, had subsequent exploration conducted in 1988, including an airborne geophysical survey conducted by Aerodat; the core from 9 of Gulf’s original drill holes in this area was salvaged and relogged, confirming Gulf’s original results; and 12 trenches were exposed for approximately 475 metres for sampling. The exploration was summarized in the “Report on the Geology and NB, Y, REE Potential of the East Zone Nemegosenda Lake Alkaline Complex” by, Beaty Geological Ltd, in 1988. Their findings included:
“Significant niobium mineralization (>0.49% Nb2O5) was encountered every hole examined (sic)”
“In the southern part of the zone, anomalous yttrium and rare earths were encountered in all holes and significant intersections occurred in all but DDH56-33.”
The trenching in this phase was designed to test the surface expressions of mineralized areas originally identified by Parsons. In reporting on the trenches the consulting geologist concluded, “A mappable biotite-apatite +/- magnetite ‘jacupirangite’ was intersected in 4 trenches (88-1, 88-3, 88-4, 88-5)…It has been mapped for approximately 275 metres and has an exposed width of approximately 15 to 20 metres. This ‘jacupirangite’ horizon contains niobium mineralization throughout most of its length; in one trench (88-3) a continuous exposure, 14.3 metre in length, grading 1.85% Nb2O5 was intersected.”
Of interest, in the summary, the geologist noted that, in relation to the rare earth potential of the property, “only partial rare earth element analyses have so far been performed.” Additionally, “Only a very small portion of the prospect has been explored and it is impossible to predict what exists in uncharted lands.”
Based on the historical data, the East Zone warrants substantial follow-up exploration work. Sarissa consulting geologist, Warren Hawkins, has recommended an exploration grid be cut over the East Zone, followed by a total field magnetic ground survey and a radiometric survey, in order to expand on the known areas of mineralization. An overview can be seen below.
In addition to the ground work to be conducted in the East Zone areas, we hope to begin drilling the first phase in the main D Zone shortly. An extensive diamond drilling plan has been designed by Sarissa director, Alan Hawke, and can be viewed here. The plan calls for 61 holes to be conducted in a number of phases, with possible revisions dependent on results.
