New base metal plays shaping up in Quebec

Another exciting season for base metals exploration activity is taking shape in northern Quebec’s Abitibi greenstone belt as several key polymetallic projects are being slated for significant work programs this summer. A major exploration program is being launched next month to search for new base metal deposits in the Normetal camp, north of La Sarre, Que., thanks to recent agreement between Cominco (TSE) and two affiliated juniors Normetal Mining Exploration (ME) and La Sarre Mining Exploration (ME).

Cominco will be spending nearly $1.87 million to hunt for base metal deposits on the 26,000-acre Normetal property during the first phase of its exploration agreement with the juniors. The work program will search for massive sulphides at depth beneath the large property which surrounds a past-producing copper-zinc mine.

The Normetal former mine, which operated during 1937-1975, produced more than 10 million tonnes of base metal ore grading 0.79% copper, 5.3% zinc, 0.86 grams gold, and 65.4 grams silver per tonne. A systematic and in-depth exploration program, to be operated by Cominco, will attempt to uncover the same size of discovery as was the case last year in Louvicourt Twp. by partners Aur Resources (TSE) and Societe Miniere Louvem (TSE).

Still the highest-profile base metal project in the province, the Aur-Louvem deposit is seeing about $3 million spent this season, including some 20,000 ft. of diamond drilling designed to probe for strike extensions to the deposit.

Meanwhile, a combined surface and underground exploration program costing a maximum of $4.8 million is being contemplated for the Grevet zinc-copper-silver project owned jointly by partners VSM Exploration (ME) and Serem-Quebec, a French government-controlled mining company. VSM is in the process of completing an important public financing to fund its share of expenses on the Grevet project. Preliminary geological reserves were last estimated at nearly 10 million tonnes grading 8.27% zinc, 0.44% copper and 34.8 grams silver in the III and IV horizons.

Another Quebec junior, Bonanza Metals (ASE) has been drilling on its claims surrounding the former Poirier base metal mine near Joutel, Que., where more work is planned this summer on adjoining claims optioned earlier this year from Charlim Exploration (VSE).

Two other junior companies hoping to repeat the type of success enjoyed by Aur Resources last summer at Louvicourt Twp. are Greenstone Resources (TSE) and Thunderwood Resources (TSE). The latter two joint venture partners are planning another 25,000 ft. of diamond drilling on their Scott Lake copper-zinc bet west of Chibougamau, Que.