Semafo finds more gold

Trenching and drilling by Montreal-based Semafo (SMF-T) have led to the discovery of a third gold zone at the Mana property, in Burkina Faso.

Dubbed Maoula, the prospect outcrops on rolling hills 3 km south of the Nyafe deposit, where 1 million tonnes grading 8.5 grams gold per tonne are outlined. Earlier this year, Semafo outlined the Wona zone, 7 km north of Nyafe (T.N.M., March 5-11/01).

Mineralization at Maoula is associated with two structures in a felsic volanco-sedimentary series characterized by numerous quartz and siliceous veining. So far, trenching has traced the prospect for 600 metres along a northeastern strike, and results from three reverse-circulation (RC) drill holes suggest it dips at a shallow angle to the east and is oxidized to 60 metres below surface.

Trench values vary from nil to 12.69 grams per tonne over 9 metres, with the longest interval of 31 metres averaging 4.6 grams. Results from the RC holes include 7 metres grading 2.87 grams in hole 95, 2 metres grading 9.73 grams in hole 88, and 5 metres of 1.11 grams in hole 94.

A third series of trenches is being dug, and drilling will follow.

The company holds a 75% interest in the Mana property, which is 200 km west of Ouagadougou.