Preliminary results from a 4,500-metre drill program completed by Ariel Resources (VSE) on the San Martin mine and Sierra group properties in Costa Rica suggest that three zones found on the properties have significant open-pit potential.
So far, 17 reverse circulation holes totalling over 1,700 metres have been completed. The drilling has focused on the Gaitan, Los Berros and Boston Mine zones, which form the northeast continuation of the main structure. Mineralization in the structure is associated with a series of parallel veins.
Two of the better intersections from the Gaitan zone averaged 0.3 oz. gold per ton over 13 ft. and 0.11 oz. over 33 ft. Other intersections assayed as high as 0.55 oz. over widths varying from 13 to 79 ft.
In the Los Berros zone, drilling returned values as high as 0.084 oz. over 39 ft., while the best assay from the Boston mine zone averaged 0.033 oz. over 102 ft.
Ariel is now proceeding with the installation pilot plant using the Innovat continuous vat leaching system. Following the testing of oxide ore from the San Martin mine, the company has concluded that ores grading as low as 0.02 oz. would be economical.
Start-up tests are scheduled to begin within the next two months.
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