Westhaven Gold Begins Winter Drilling on Shovelnose Property
Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V: WHN) is thrilled to share news about the commencement of its winter drill program on the extensive Shovelnose gold property. This 41,634 hectare site is located within the highly promising Spences Bridge Gold Belt, positioned just 30 kilometers south of Merritt.
Targeted Areas for Drilling
The winter drill program will involve rigorous testing across three primary target areas: Certes 1, Certes 3, and Corral. With a planned total of about 2,500 metres of drilling organized over five drill holes, the focus will initially be on Certes 3. This location is approximately 8-10 kilometers southeast of the esteemed high-grade South Zone deposit, which has had significant exploration activity as recently as the past year. The results from surface sampling and drilling activities in 2024 have successfully expanded a mineralized corridor southeastward, indicating a potentially expansive structure that stretches 13.5 kilometers, and it remains open to further exploration.
Exploration Insights from Previous Drilling
Recent preliminary drilling activities in 2024 at the Certes site revealed a well-preserved epithermal system. The analytical results from pathfinder geochemistry effectively support this finding, suggesting promising possibilities for future mineralization. In particular, Certes 3 aims to analyze deeper segments beneath observed arsenic and gold-bearing carbonate breccias and quartz veins identified in previous drill hole SN24-425. Notable findings included 125ppm arsenic over a 9-meter stretch and a gold concentration of 0.69 g/t over a 1.74-meter span.
Drilling at Certes 1 and Corral
The drilling strategy includes probing Certes 1, where geophysical resistivity features indicated by prior IP surveys merit closer examination. This area lies north of drill hole SN24-420, where a noticeable transition from high-level gold pathfinder elements to deeper arsenic indicators was documented. Proximity to mercury-bearing sinter cobbles in the surface layer suggests that the epithermal system here is well-preserved, potentially unveiling significant insights into the geology.
Corral Target Analysis
A distinct hole is earmarked for the Corral target, strategically located south of Certes. Similar to Certes, Corral is believed to represent a structurally sound region characterized by the presence of anomalous arsenic as observed during preliminary assessments. The focus here will also tap into resistivity features noted in the same IP survey data, offering a well-rounded approach to uncovering the underground mineral potential.
Upcoming Developments
Looking ahead, Westhaven is set to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and a Preliminary Economic Assessment for the South Zone deposit. This evaluation, expected to unfold in the near future, will encompass the Forget Me Not and Franz Zones, which remain pivotal discoveries within the overarching Vein Zone 1 trend.
Commitment to Quality in Exploration
In alignment with Westhaven’s foundational commitments, meticulous attention to detail governs all sampling, laboratory analyses, and quality assurance protocols. By implementing a robust QA/QC framework, Westhaven ensures that every core sample is processed with rigorous scientific standards to yield accurate and reliable data. The core is managed with care, and random checks involving duplicates, certified reference materials, and blank samples are integral to upholding industry best practices.
About Westhaven Gold Corp.
Westhaven Gold Corp. is a dedicated exploration entity, driven by a mission to advance high-grade gold discovery across its holdings in Canada. With a footprint that spans 61,512 hectares across four properties in the largely untouched Spences Bridge Gold Belt, Westhaven is positioned strategically. The company’s proximity to vital infrastructure, including major highways and railroads, not only facilitates low-cost exploration but also enhances accessibility to producing mines.
Contact Information
For further information regarding the ongoing exploration and developments, you can reach out to Westhaven's office by calling 604-681-5558 or visiting their website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the winter drill program?
The winter drill program aims to conduct exploratory drilling in three key target areas to assess gold deposits and the potential for mineralization.
Where is the Shovelnose gold property located?
The Shovelnose property is situated in the Spences Bridge Gold Belt, approximately 30 kilometers south of Merritt, British Columbia.
What are the targeted areas for exploration?
The drill program will focus on Certes 1, Certes 3, and Corral as the main target areas.
What has been discovered in prior drilling efforts?
Previous drilling has revealed valuable mineral indicators, including arsenic and significant gold concentrations within the Certes areas.
How does Westhaven ensure quality in its drilling operations?
Westhaven employs a thorough QA/QC methodology, including the use of certified reference materials and a stringent sampling process to maintain high-quality data standards.
