Aur search for base metals extends to eastern U.S.

In its search for new volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, Aur Resources (TSE) has targeted the Northern Volcanic Belt in the Appalachian mountains of Maine and New Hampshire as a top priority.

This belt contains at least 10 undeveloped base metal deposits or past producing mines and is the southern extension of similar volcanic belts which host the Buchans mine in Newfoundland and the Brunswick No. 12 orebody in New Brunswick.

In 1992, Aur acquired, from Morgain Minerals (VSE), the right to earn a 60% interest in four base metal properties and any new lands acquired within a 2,500-square-mile area of northern New Hampshire. Work last year identified sub-ore grade massive sulfide mineralization within a structurally complex volcano-sedimentary sequence. Further exploration will be carried out this summer.

Last year, Aur also acquired, from Boise Cascade Minerals, the right to explore and mine mineral deposits within an area of Northern Maine and New Hampshire covering more than 400,000 acres. Teck (TSE), which can earn a 50% interest in these lands from Aur, is providing US$430,000 for exploration during the first quarter of 1993.

The money will be used to test priority targets on the West Forks property along strike from the Alder Pond base metal discovery of BHP Minerals, and the Ledge Ridge property where previous workers have outlined 3.7 million tons grading 2.26% zinc and 0.96% copper.

Aur is planning to spend about US$800,000 exploring its eastern U.S. land holdings in 1993.