Exploration Developments at American Tungsten's IMA Mine Project
American Tungsten Corp. (CSE:TUNG) (OTCQB:DEMRF) (FSE:RK9) has recently made significant strides in the exploration of the IMA Mine Project located in Idaho. The company has identified a primary tungsten exploration target and is gearing up for an in-fill drill program to further investigate the site's mineral potential.
Understanding the IMA Mine Project
The IMA Mine has a history of tungsten production, documented as far back as the mid-20th century, when it produced around 199,449 MTUs of WO3 between 1945 and 1957. This past producing underground mine covers an extensive area with 21 patented claims in East Central Idaho. Historical exploration activities have been conducted sporadically from the 1960s to 2008, emphasizing the mine's long-standing relevance in the tungsten sector.
Identifying Exploration Targets
Recent assessments based on a review of historical drilling and underground sampling have led to the identification of not just one but multiple tungsten exploration targets within the IMA Mine area. The principal target lies above the D Level of the mine, where previous operators, including Bradley Mining and Inspiration Development, recognized promising mineralized materials. Notably, minimal mining was performed above this level, presenting a new opportunity for American Tungsten to explore untouched resources.
Historical Insights on Tungsten Veins
The exploration plan revolves around two significant veins: the no. 5 and no. 7 veins, which were systematically evaluated as early as 1979 by Inspiration Development. Samples gathered indicated promising results, with the no. 5 vein yielding an average width of 5.3 feet and returning approximately 0.44% WO3 and 2.63 opt Ag over a stretch of 520 feet. The no. 7 vein presented a similar profile, averaging 6 feet wide with outcomes of 0.43% WO3 and 2.01 opt Ag across 408 feet.
Current Drill and Sampling Initiatives
To establish the continuity and quality of the mineralization above the D Level, American Tungsten plans to initiate a comprehensive exploration program. This will involve rehabilitation of the existing access drift and constructing drill stations within the vein system. The target is ambitious, aiming to delineate between 200,000 and 400,000 tons of mineralized materials, with a drilling requirement estimated at 3,000 to 6,000 feet across 10 to 20 holes.
Future Programs and Expectations
As the company proceeds with these plans, continuity and geological consistency in mineralization become crucial. Existing access to the D Level, combined with historical drilling results, supports the assertion that this section of the mine holds significant promise. Murray Nye, the CEO of American Tungsten Corp., emphasized the importance of the D Level as a strategic focus for their upcoming initiatives.
In light of the exploration developments, the company has also undertaken a program to verify historical data by resampling materials and core from earlier drilling activities. This verification will be vital for ensuring the reliability of the mineral resource estimates moving forward.
About American Tungsten Corp.
Previously known as Demesne Resources Inc., American Tungsten Corp. focuses on exploring and acquiring mineral properties, specifically in tungsten and magnetite. Their Star Project includes five contiguous mineral titles covering an area of approximately 4,615.75 hectares in British Columbia. Additionally, the company is committed to advancing the IMA Mine Project by capturing a 100% interest, alongside securing surrounding mining rights through various claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMA Mine Project?
The IMA Mine Project is a past producing tungsten mine in Idaho, historically important for its tungsten production between 1945 and 1957.
What are the primary exploration targets at the IMA Mine?
The primary targets are the no. 5 and no. 7 tungsten veins identified by historical drilling and sampling, which show promising mineralization results.
What is the significance of the D Level?
The D Level is a critical area for exploration as it contains recognized significant mineralized materials and is relatively unexplored.
What is American Tungsten's exploration strategy?
The strategy includes a rehabilitation of access areas, new drilling programs, and extensive historical data verification to establish resource continuity.
How does American Tungsten plan to verify historical data?
The company plans to resample historical cores and materials from past drilling programs to ensure resource estimates' reliability and accuracy.
