Drill programs under way at Argentine gold properties

Drilling is under way on the Veladero, Del Carmen, Rio Frio and Poposa projects in San Juan, Argentina.

Argentina Gold (VSE), which holds a 60% interest in the Veladero project, reports that geophysical work has outlined an anomalous zone measuring 3 km in length, coincident with sporadic outcrops of a silicified breccia zone carrying gold values of up to 9 grams per tonne. The initial program will include 2,500 metres of reverse-circulation drilling. Barrick Gold (TSE) holds the remaining 40%.

Barrick also holds a 60% interest in the Del Carmen property and is in the process of conducting geophysical surveys, road construction and drill site preparation.

Geophysical work there has outlined a resistivity anomaly coincident with favorable argillic alteration, and Barrick expects to begin a 4,000-metre program of reverse-circulation drilling in mid-March.

Western Mining (NYSE) is earning a 60% interest in both the Rio Frio and Poposa projects from Argentina Gold.

A second rig will be added to the 1,200-metre drill program at Rio Frio, in the Chezanco prospect area.

Drilling on alteration gold targets at Poposa were to have begun at presstime; an initial program of 3,000 metres is planned.