Birim re-interprets Opon mineralization

Junior Birim Goldfields (BGI-T) has resumed drilling at its Dunkwa concession in the prolific Ashanti gold belt of Ghana.

A minimum of 18 holes will be sunk at the Opon prospect to test for strike extensions to previously defined pencil-shaped mineralization. Holes will be collared on 25-metre centres along three fences spaced 50 metres apart. They will be drilled no deeper than 70 metres and oriented at 60 to the east.

Previous surface work at Opon uncovered 152 metres of oxides averaging 1.43 grams gold. Although results from 28 follow-up drill holes were mixed, Birim now believes that many of the holes probably missed their mark. Some of the better results included 26 metres (starting from surface) of 2.57 grams; 10 metres (6-16 metres) of 2 grams; and 10 metres (20-30 metres) of 3.28 grams.

Birim recently raised US$1.5 million by selling 40 sq. km of the 230-sq.-km Dunkwa concession to Ashanti Goldfields (ASL-N). The major is now studying the feasibility of mining the Mampon gold deposit and treating the material at its nearby Ayanfuri mine.

Independent calculations place Mampon’s resource at 600,000 oz., with 1.2 million tonnes grading 5 grams gold per tonne possibly amenable to open-pit mining techniques. Upon completion of the study, Birim will receive an advanced royalty based on the number of ounces defined.