In the search for polymetallic massive sulphide deposits, Atna Resources (VSE) plans to begin an 8,000-ft. drilling program on three California properties located in the Foothills Belt of Calaveras Cty. Atna recently completed an option agreement with Cactus West Explorations (VSE) and will include that company’s Star Excelsior property in the program. Atna may earn a 50% interest in the property by completing expenditures of US$200,000 by Dec. 31, 1993.
Grab samples from old dumps, pits and shallow underground workings on the property returned values of up to 8% copper, 1.9% lead, 7% zinc and 0.6 oz. gold per ton.
Peter DeLancey, president of Atna, said the program will include about 8,000 ft. of drilling, at least 5,000 ft. of which will be done on the more advanced Schell Ranch property.
Atna and Solomon Resources (VSE) are jointly earning a 50% interest in the Schell Ranch property from Colony Pacific Explorations (TSE) by spending a total of US$3 million as well as meeting property and lease payments of US$485,000 over the next four years.
Previous drilling on the Schell Ranch returned an intersection of 17 ft. grading 3.4% copper, 20.5% zinc, 0.39 oz. gold and 20.5 oz. silver in the best hole.
The Plymouth Rock property will also be included in the coming program. Atna signed a lease-to-a purchase agreement on the property in mid-1990. Samples from old dumps on the property returned good values of copper, lead, zinc, silver and gold.
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