Leading Edge Materials Corp. announced it has received positive assay results from initial exploration trenches completed to assess potential of mineralization extension from the known galleries, and from initial samples taken from Galleries 4 and 7. These initial exploration results from Bihor Sud highlight the scale and high-grade potential of the Bihor Sud exploration license. Access to galleries 4 and 7 was delayed due to high radon gas levels, and required additional ventilation to be installed to enable safe access for geologists.

While ventilation was being installed, completed surface trench assays which potentially indicate a Pb-Zn-Ag structure over 1km in length and is supported by the results from gallery G4. Initial results from gallery G7 underline the high-grade Co-Ni potential. While high radon levels have delayed gallery access it is a positive sign as it is associated with the raised uranium grades often related with the higher-grade Ni-Co zones.

Channel sampling underground can now begin in earnest. Three pairs of exploration trenches were hand dug to 0.5-2 metres depth and 20-56 metres in length for a total of 246 m. Trenches S-VL1 and S-VL2 were able to be excavated to partially expose bedrock and provide positive Zn-Pb-Ag grades. These trenches cut to the same fault system, which led to base metal mineralization in G4 and contain Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag in carbonates.

Mineralization in these trenches is both structurally and lithologically controlled: Trenches S1-D and S2-D, which are close to gallery G1, were excavated largely in argillic alteration with occasional specks of copper oxide. Of the 18 samples assayed, the only mineralized one yielded 0.14 % Cu (no other anomalous elements). G1 was developed in the 1970s as part of regional uranium exploration but furnished "only" base metal mineralization (copper) associated with (semi-massive) pyrite.

No mineralization was found in 16 samples from trenches S1-V and S2-V, except for minor barite. S2-VV encountered thick scree and did not reach bedrock for the major part. Samples were collected from in situ-mineralization on the gallery walls during initial surveying.

Results are similar to those obtained from waste dump material and prove the presence of extensive mineralization, which can be accessed underground. The samples reported from G7 in Table 3 are spaced 100-200 m and attest a significant strike extent of the mineralization, to be mapped and channel-sampled this Summer.