The operator of the Tiawa gold project in Niger, Hansa GeoMin Consult, has announced drill results that dramatically expand the size of the mineralized zone.
According to Hansa’s Canadian partner, Etruscan Enterprises (VSE), recent drilling has extended the known length of the mineralized horizon of the Tiawa concession’s Samira deposit five-fold to 1,000 metres, and added 150 metres to its vertical depth, which is now 240 metres. The zone remains open along strike and at depth.
Prior to the current drilling, the geological resource at the Samira deposit was estimated at 1.6 million tonnes grading 2.59 grams gold per tonne to a vertical depth of 90 metres over a strike length of 200 metres.
Until May 31, Etruscan has the option to acquire 56% of African GeoMin Mining, the owner of the Tiawa concession. Etruscan is exercising those subscription rights.
In addition, geochemical surveys by auger drilling and pit sampling have confirmed near-surface mineralization defined by a gold anomaly, with values from 0.5 to 7 grams gold per tonne. Coincident ground geophysical surveys over the deposit area have traced the favorable horizon over a strike length of 1,800 metres. Field crews are continuing to extend the horizon with ground geophysics and auger drilling in preparation for diamond drilling.
In addition to the Samira deposit, the 1,240-sq.-km Tiawa concession hosts several prospective gold occurrences and geochemical anomalies. Exploration is expanding toward the artisanal mining site at Boulon Djounga, 7 km northwest of Samira. To speed up exploration, a reverse-circulation drill and additional geophysical crews are being mobilized.
Etruscan is continuing its drill program on the Koma Bangou concession, also in southwestern Niger, with the objective of completing a feasibility study by the third quarter of 1996. Echo Bay Mines (TSE) can earn a 65.5% interest in Koma Bangou, which is also shared by the Nigerien government.
Fire assay results of 10 of the 15 holes drilled on the Tiawa concession are pending. Results of the other five are shown below:
HoleIntervalWidthGold
(m)(m)(g/t)
TSC-7E8-88803.43
incl.70-88187.64
TSC-8E66-130652.67
incl.106-130245.00
TSC-9120-155362.44
incl.127-147203.00
TSC-1040-85464.90
incl.51-82316.80
TSC-13170-244751.54
incl.196-206106.90
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