Nevada Pacific explores South Carlin

Vancouver — Nevada Pacific Gold (NPG-V) and partner Placer Dome (PDG-T) have begun a first-phase, US$670,000 program aimed at exploring the South Carlin project in Nevada. The project is in the Carlin trend, near the Gold Quarry mine of Newmont Mining (NEM-N).

Nevada Pacific is operating the program; Placer Dome has the right to earn a 60% interest by spending US$4.6 million over five years. The major can earn an additional 10% by producing a feasibility study.

The program will attempt to delineate the intersection at two large blocks of carbonate rock that have been uplifted along regional structures. One trends northwest; the other, northeast.

Exploration will consist of soil sampling over a 2-to-3-mile area on a 100-by-400-ft. grid, as well as geological mapping and geophysics. Reverse-circulation drilling could follow.

The geological mapping is designed to define lithology and alteration, and to identify structures that may have acted as conduits for the emplacement of gold mineralization. Previous geological and drill hole data are being used to generate geologic cross-sections.

Both blocks of carbonate rock are considered prime targets for high-grade gold mineralization at depths of 1,000-2,000 ft. below the surface.

Nevada Pacific controls about 100 sq. miles of mineral rights in the state.