Armistice sampling program continues

Bulk sampling under way at Armistice Resources’ (ME) gold property in Virginiatown, Ont., could lead to a small-scale mine.

The junior, which remains committed to the idea of proving up reserves below 2,250 ft., is hoping that the 10,000-ton sample to be extracted this winter from three zones above that level will help determine a mining grade for the zones, as well as provide some revenue for further development work. The Armistice shaft extends to a depth of 2,250 ft.; any mining plan would have to include the sinking of a ventilation shaft. There are enough mills in the area to allow for a custom-milling operation.

President Brian Davidson presented shareholders with a project update at the annual meeting in Toronto.

Drilling has provided the company with a preliminary reserve estimate of 242,224 tons averaging 0.175 oz. gold per ton above 2,250 ft. (and an additional 114,984 tons at 0.185 oz. below that level). The bulk sample will be taken from the Armistice 100N, Sheldon 185N and Sheldon 260N zones. The $1.7-million exploration program also involves extending the 2,250-ft. level by 1,500 ft. to the west and creating drill stations at 300-ft. intervals.

The new underground drill stations will be used for a 30,000-ft. deep-drilling program (yet to be funded) to test the theory that the Kerr Addison orebody, to the east, downfaulted and that it continues on to the Armistice property at greater depths.

The company, in its 1994 annual report, says 10 holes drilled from the 2,250-level a few years ago “intersected mineralized rocks identical to those of the Kerr Addison mine, in what we call the Kerr horizon.” Two zones were identified; in the No. 21 zone, one hole yielded 0.19 oz. over a true width of 8.1 ft., while in the No. 16 zone another hole cut 0.08 oz. over a true width of 13.6 ft.

Armistice has expanded its board of directors to six members. Joining Davidson, Harvey Atkin, Guy Hinse, Steven Reiken and Gregory Smith is Dynatec executive Arnold Klassen.