Drilling Resumes on Berrigan Zinc, Gold, Silver Property Under Option from Chibougamau
ROUYN-NORANDA, Québec – Chibougamau Independent Mines Inc. has announced that TomaGold Corporation has commenced a new drilling program on the Berrigan property, located in Québec. This initiative marks the start of a 1,500-metre Phase 2 drilling campaign, specifically designed to test and extend the recently discovered Berrigan Deep Zone.
Phase 2 Drilling Program Details
The primary objective of this drilling program is to extend five recent drill holes to intersect a newly identified zinc, gold, and silver zone situated beneath the previously known Berrigan mineralized zone. This strategic move follows promising results from earlier drilling phases, which revealed significant mineralized intersections.
According to the announcement, the five drill hole extensions are planned to target the horizon where previous drill hole TOM-25-015 intersected 5.08% Zn Eq (1.19 g/t Au Eq) over 98.50 meters, including a high-grade section of 23.20% Zn Eq (5.44 g/t Au Eq) over 4.90 meters. These results underscore the potential for substantial mineral deposits in the area.
Background on the Berrigan Property
The Berrigan property is part of a larger land package under option from Chibougamau Independent Mines, as detailed in a press release dated August 14, 2023. This arrangement allows TomaGold to explore and develop the site, leveraging Chibougamau's resources and expertise in the region.
Summary of Phase 1 Drilling Results
Phase 1 of the drilling program, conducted by TomaGold, yielded several notable mineralized intersections. Key highlights from the initial phase include:
- Hole TOM-25-009: Intersected 48.05 meters at 5.82% Zn Eq (1.36 g/t Au Eq), with higher-grade intervals such as 2.90 meters at 33.97% Zn Eq (7.96 g/t Au Eq).
- Hole TOM-25-010: Returned 48.30 meters at 2.38% Zn Eq (0.56 g/t Au Eq), including 6.25 meters at 11.43% Zn Eq (2.66 g/t Au Eq).
- Hole TOM-25-011: Showed 18.50 meters at 1.81% Zn Eq (0.42 g/t Au Eq), with a peak of 2.00 meters at 16.12% Zn Eq (3.77 g/t Au Eq).
- Hole TOM-25-014: Included multiple high-grade zones, such as 2.10 meters at 24.85% Zn Eq (5.83 g/t Au Eq) and 1.40 meters at 36.34% Zn Eq (8.51 g/t Au Eq).
- Hole TOM-25-015: Featured 98.50 meters at 5.08% Zn Eq (1.19 g/t Au Eq), with a standout interval of 4.90 meters at 23.20% Zn Eq (5.44 g/t Au Eq).
These results demonstrate the presence of valuable zinc, gold, and silver mineralization, supporting the decision to proceed with Phase 2 drilling.
Technical Notes and Calculations
The reported widths from the drilling represent core lengths, with true widths estimated to be approximately 80-85% of these lengths, depending on deviation angles. The calculations for zinc equivalent (ZnEq) and gold equivalent (AuEq) were based on specific parameters and metal prices.
For AuEq, the calculation used prices of US$4,150 per ounce for gold, $51.34 per ounce for silver, US$5.023 per pound for copper, and $1.392 per pound for zinc. Metallurgical recovery factors applied were 95% for zinc, 85% for gold and silver, and 90% for copper, based on historical data and nearby deposit recoveries.
Similarly, ZnEq calculations incorporated prices of US$4,047 per ounce for gold, $50.22 per ounce for silver, US$4.796 per pound for copper, and $1.390 per pound for zinc, with the same recovery factors. These metrics provide a standardized way to assess the economic potential of the mineralized intersections.
Implications and Future Prospects
The resumption of drilling on the Berrigan property highlights ongoing efforts to explore and develop mineral resources in Québec. With Phase 2 now underway, TomaGold aims to build on the successes of Phase 1, potentially uncovering additional high-grade zones that could enhance the project's viability.
This development is closely watched by stakeholders in the mining sector, as it could lead to increased resource estimates and future production opportunities. The collaboration between Chibougamau Independent Mines and TomaGold underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing mining projects.
As drilling progresses, further updates are expected to provide more insights into the extent and quality of the mineralization at the Berrigan property, shaping the next steps for this promising venture.
