A new orebody known as the Nacional zone was defined during a recent exploration and development program carried out by Breakwater Resources (TSE) at its El Mochito mine in Honduras.
The new zone, which lies within 1,000 metres of the San Juan deposit currently being mined, is estimated to contain 2.09 million tonnes grading 11.74% zinc, 84 grams silver per tonne, 0.79% lead and 0.15% copper. Breakwater said the discovery and definition of this reserve confirms that the mine will continue to produce high-grade zinc concentrate at least until 1998.
Breakwater acquired El Mochito in 1990 as a result of its merger with American Pacific Mining which had bought the former producer several years earlier.
The new discovery resulted from an ongoing exploration and development program. The probable reserve mentioned above is based on 17 diamond drill holes which intersected a flat-lying formation, called a manto formation, having a plan area of about 213×121 metres.
The manto has an average thickness of 12 metres, but several intercepts of over 24 metres grading over 10% zinc have been recorded. A hole in the drill program returned grades of 15.1% zinc over a length of 64 metres. Breakwater also noted that in addition to the manto, the reserve includes a portion of chimney or pipe of higher-grade ore extending upward from the manto.
Drilling is continuing to further define the pipe, while the development program will be accelerated to reach the rich manto area.
Be the first to comment on "Breakwater adds Mochito reserves with new zone"