At least three drill programs are scheduled to get under way along the Rhinelander-Ladysmith greenstone belt of northeastern Wisconsin this month as explorers take advantage of winter freeze-up in the state. Laws designed to protect Wisconsin’s sensitive wetlands have forced several companies to postpone drilling until winter, when rigs can operate with minimal damage to the natural habitat.
On the Lynne project in Oneida Cty., Noranda (TSE) plans to test for eastern extensions of a zinc- rich zone discovered last spring. Although company geologists suggested an easterly plunge to the zone months ago, recent sub-zero temperatures are providing the first opportunity to test this theory.
Estimated by one source to host a 10-million-ton deposit, the Lynne project currently ranks as Wisconsin’s highest-profile exploration play. Some of the more spectacular results from the high-grade zinc find include 128 ft. grading 22.71% zinc, 2.95% lead and 0.64% copper, 380 ft. grading 8.54% zinc, 2.11% lead, and 0.26% copper, and 240 ft. grading 12.84% zinc, 2.18% lead and 0.67% copper.
About 20 miles east of Lynne, Placer Dome (TSE) will begin drilling on a property jointly owned by Canadian juniors Pelangio-Larder Mines (COATS) and Quote Resources (VSE), according to Pelangio President Maurice Hibbard. Through geophysical prospecting, the partners have lined up seven high-priority drill targets. In order to earn a 70% interest in the Rhinelander property, Placer has agreed to spend $500,000 on exploration over a 3-year period.
Pending a $2-million financing to cover initial exploration, Moss- Power Resources (TSE) will team up with Noranda to test four base and precious metal prospects in the new year. Hosting a preliminary reserve of 454,000 tons grading 0.26 oz. gold per ton and 0.28% copper, the Reef prospect in Marathon Cty. has provided the partners with their first drill target.
Already drilling at the western edge of the belt, NDU Resources (VSE) is expected to file a notice of intent with the state to collect information on the environmental effects of building an underground mine in Taylor Cty. by June. Last year, the company acquired the option to earn a 54% interest in, among others, the Bend copper-gold prospect, which hosts preliminary reserves of 1.9 million tons grading 2.8% copper and 1.1 million tons grading 0.24 oz. gold in two separate sulphide lenses.
As these companies continue their search for minable reserves, Kennecott hopes for the go-ahead on its Flambeau copper deposit in Rusk Cty., Wis. With a possible annual production of 28,000 tons of copper, Flambeau represents Wisconsin’s first chance to get back on the metal-mining map since Inland Steel closed its open pit iron mine in 1983.
In the past decade, harsh environmental laws and hefty taxes have acted as an effective deterrent to exploration and development in Wisconsin.
Be the first to comment on "Freeze-up enables Wisconsin drilling resume"