Noranda, Major Genmeral cut strong gold zones in Nfld

Six recently completed drill holes on the Rendell-Jackman gold property in Newfoundland have yielded good results for partners Major General Resources (VSE) and Noranda (TSE). The holes were testing the downdip and down-plunge extension of the Hammer Down gold zone.

The most significant results included a wide intersection of 32.4 ft. grading 0.36 oz. gold per ton (cut) in hole 29, and 16.4 ft. grading 0.69 oz. in hole 31, about 160 ft. to the west. Other significant intervals were 14.1 ft. of 0.29 oz. (cut) in hole 28 and 4.3 ft. of 0.24 oz. in hole 30. The latter two holes were drilled on the same section about 330 ft. east of hole 29.

No significant values were cut in hole 27, which was drilled half way between holes 29 and 30 in the centre of the Hammer Down zone.

At 721 ft. below surface, hole 29 cut the deepest intersection to date, about 246 ft. downdip from a previous interval in hole 17 which yielded 0.51 oz. across 5.6 ft.

Noranda geologist Dan MacInnis told The Northern Miner the Rendell-Jackman property will continue to be drilled until spring when the partners will form a joint venture to conduct the next phase of work. He said ongoing favorable results have made it the company’s leading gold project in Newfoundland at present.

“The recent results confirmed the southwest plunge of the gold zone and this was important to us in understanding the geology,” he said.

Further drilling is under way with three drills, one testing the Hammer Down zone while a second machine probes the Rumbullion gold zone, about 500 ft. along strike.

The recent results confirm the Hammer Down zone is open downdip as well as to the east and west. The company has now confirmed a southwest plunge is indicated.

The project, in the Springdale area of north-central Newfoundland, is being operated by Noranda Exploration. Major General is required to spend $1.4 million to earn its 50% interest, and the junior expects to become fully vested by the end of this month. Future exploration costs will be shared on an equal basis.