Noront drills polymetallic sulphides in Ring of Fire
Noront Resources Ltd. [NOT-TSXV] provided updates on its current exploration program in the Ring of Fire, part of the 100%-owned Eagle’s Nest Project in the James Bay Lowlands of northern Ontario.
Follow-up drilling on the recently discovered McFaulds No.8 VMS occurrence was completed in October. A single hole (MCF-17-89) totalling 566 metres was drilled up-dip from the previously reported intersection in MCF-17-88. The Main Zone at hole MCF-17-89 intersected 10.9 metres of massive sulphide grading 1.1% copper, 1.7% zinc, 10.9 g/t silver and 0.4 g/t gold. The MCF-17-89 intersection is located approximately 88 metres up-dip from MCF-17-88, and is an early indication of excellent up-dip continuity of the sulfide lens at McFaulds No.8.
Importantly, bore-hole electromagnetic (EM) surveying of this hole indicates strongest conductance is located off-hole and up-dip to the northeast from this intersection suggesting shallower drilling along this horizon has a good chance of intersecting continued mineralization.
“The copper-zinc thickness and grade we found provides an early, positive indication of the mineralization continuity at McFaulds No.8. We look forward to following up on these results early in the New Year,” said Noront Vice President, Exploration Ryan Weston.
The sulfide intersection is zoned, with a zinc-rich top, copper-rich core, and zinc-rich base followed by a thinner satellite lens located 13 metres below the main zone. The zonation and stacked nature of the sulfide mineralization in MCF-17-89 is very similar to that observed in MCF-17-88.
The company also completed a bore-hole EM program on the McFaulds property this fall, surveying 17 historic holes near known VMS occurrences. Results indicate potential down-plunge continuity of mineralization in many of the known occurrences. Coupled with the recent drilling at McFaulds No.8, this will guide drill targeting for thewinter 2018 drilling program.
In early November, Noront sent Request for Proposal (RFP) packages to the cities of (Greater) Sudbury, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay (partnering with Fort William First Nation) which are the four northern Ontario communities that expressed an interest in hosting the company’s Ferrochrome Processing Plant. Prior to issuing the RFP, Noront worked with each community on site selection, and pre-qualified them for the formal process by looking for a high level of community support, access to a skilled workforce and usable, existing physical infrastructure at a brownfield site. The company will be looking for a compelling case in the formal submissions which will be accepted until February 2, 2018.
In October, together with the Chiefs of Marten Falls and Webequie First Nation, Noront hosted a site visit for the provincial Ministers of Northern Development and Mines, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Municipal Affairs and Housing. This provided an opportunity for the communities, government and industry to discuss development plans for the region and the ways industry and government would support local participation.
In August, the province announced its support for two First Nation-led road proposals that would provide access to communities and the Ring of Fire. Since then, Noront has provided technical, engineering and environmental support to the lead communities which should help streamline the overall design and permitting process. An approved scope, design and approach along with specific plans are expected in the first quarter of 2018.