Idefix is located approximately 80 kilometres west of
The grab sample is important as it provides proof-of-concept that higher concentrations of disseminated sulphides are present in the sill and that they can carry higher base-metal and PGE grades. The grab sample contained approximately 10% sulphides, suggesting that massive sulphides are not required to generate higher base-metal grades. This is the highest base-metal grade reported from the Idefix and the grab sample was collected from the northern portion of the Property, an area which was not the focus of exploration when the Company was last actively exploring in 2012/13.
"We revisited our data on Idefix over the last year and it reminded us that it is an exceptional project. It is unusual to see such continuous PGE mineralization over this large an area (60 x 5,000 metres). The re-evaluation also prompted us to focus more on the potential of a disseminated sulphide system, with good base-metal grades along with the PGE, not just exploring for massive sulphides. This sample provides a proof of concept for this approach, although more exploration is required to properly evaluate the area.
An update on the drilling program at Root & Cellar will be provided shortly.
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Disseminated Model
Previous drilling and surface sampling by the Company delineated PGE mineralization over a 5-kilometre strike length. Drill core grades averaged approximately 0.25 g/t PGE+Au over true thicknesses up to 60 metres associated with very low base-metal values. The mineralization has very low concentrations of sulphides averaging 0.5%. A linear relationship between sulphide content and PGE grades is noted at Idefix, such that a ten-fold increase in sulphides generally brings a similar order of magnitude increase in PGE grades.
Massive Sulphide Model
Sulphide "globules" up to 2 centimetres diameter were observed in all 14 drill-holes completed in 2013. Analyses by pXRF show that the globules average 3.2% Cu, 1.9% Ni and 23 g/t Pd. The sulphide globules are interpreted to have originated from a pool of liquid massive sulphide when the magma was still molten. Such globules are known to be fragile and tend to disaggregate in the magma conduit due to turbulent flow and as such the presence of many sulphide globules suggests that the source pool of sulphide magma is proximal.
Grab rock samples are single samples and by their nature are not representative of all mineralization encountered or expected to be found on the Property. Samples were analyzed by ALS Global in
Forward-Looking Statements Advisory
This news release contains statements concerning the exploration plans, results and potential for epithermal gold deposits, and other mineralization at the Company's Idefix Property , geological, geophysical and geometrical analyses of the properties and comparisons of the properties to known Ni-Cu-PGE deposits and other expectations, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information or statements about future, conditions, results of exploration or performance that may constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect.
Although Northern Shield believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‑looking statements because Northern Shield can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by Northern Shield and described in the forward‑looking statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated with geological, geometrical and geophysical interpretation and analysis, the ability of Northern Shield to obtain financing, equipment, supplies and qualified personnel necessary to carry on exploration and the general risks and uncertainties involved in mineral exploration and analysis.
The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and Northern Shield undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward‑looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE
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