The current exploration programme started on 1 June 2006, in spite
of some snow remaining on the Black Angel Mountain. It ended on 31/08/2006 when our floating camp, the m/s Arctic Pioneer left Maarmorilik. The objective
of the programme was to find more ore in the vicinity of the old mine,
to improve the economics of the project (see Project
Overview for
more). Four target areas have been tested for mineralisation
with diamond drilling. It was intended to drill 60-70 holes totalling
6,000-7,000m, but the efficency of our drilling crews made it possible to excede this target by a wide marging - in total 8,675 metres of drilling was acheievd. 67 separate holes has resulted in a total of 632 samples being sent for assay by ALS Chemex in Vancouver. The 90-day, 24/7 programme with extensive use of helicopters ended without a single incident.
Drilling above the clouds: Diamec 262 drill
rig is being prepared for a move to a new site.
Two drill rigs were in opereation, both working round the clock and
taking advantage of the midninght sun. The Diamec 262 was provided
by Greenland
Drilling A/S, (it can drill holes up to 600m), and the Onram-300 provided
by Kati from Finland, was used for holes up to 200m.
The rigs were moved between sites by a helicopter.
Core Inspection: Frank van der Stjil, Chief
Geologist and Andrew Zemek, Chief Operating Officer discuss the
newly pulled core.
All core was put into nearly 2,500 boxes, labelled, photographed, logged and inspected.
Sections containing mineralisation were set aside for cutting in half
and sending for assay. The mineralisation was easy to distinguish
because of the high contrast between the sulphides (dark brown sphalerite,
zinc sulphide, and silvery galena, lead sulphide) and the host rock,
which is white and grey marble.
Despite of drilling in the permafrost, no salt is used to prevent
freezing of the rods. Hot water was circulated through the system
instead. This was also better for the environment. The Finnish rig
from Kati came with its own tent to shield the operator from the
elements.
There
was uch more to our exploration programme than just drilling. Our 3 geologists systematically
walked the ground looking for new showings and outcrops. The most exciting
discovery was made last year, as a result of a retreating glacier
having uncovered 700m of massive sulphide mineralisation.
We were so excited about this find that we have decided to devote
a special page to it. To find out more about the South Lakes Glacier
Showing follow the link below.
The assay results from the first 15 holes (out of 67) has been received so far. You can view thhese results in our Press Release. Results from the further 382 samples are expected and will be published in due course. We believe we'll have he complete picture by the end of October.
Read
more about South Lakes Glacier Showing >>
Maps of the drillholes coming here soon (link inactive for now) >>
