Mink Ventures Corporation (TSXV: MINK) has completed its phase one diamond drill programme (822m) on the Hook Zone, at its Montcalm Ni Cu Co project in Ontario, to test two of three targets outlined from recent borehole Induced Polarization (IP) surveys.
Since the Company began trading on January 4, 2023, the initial exploration work completed to date at Mink’s Montcalm project has demonstrated that both 3D borehole IP and surface IP surveys are cost-effective target development tools.
Recent IP work demonstrated that previously undetected anomalies, which may represent potential new zones of base metal mineralization, are present in the Montcalm gabbro complex proximal to the former Montcalm Mine. Mink plans to continue with further IP survey work and drill test these new high priority anomalies.
Two borehole IP anomalies outlined in the January 2023 program, designated IP Target 1 and IP Target 2, were drill tested with drill holes MT23-1 and MT23-2 respectively.
The borehole IP targets are hosted in the “gabbro phase” of the Montcalm gabbro complex which hosts the former Montcalm Mine.
Mink’s project is adjacent to Glencore’s historical Montcalm Mine, 65 km northwest of Timmins, Ontario. The Montcalm Mine had historical production of approximately 3.93Mt of ore grading 1.25% Ni, 0.67% Cu and 0.051% Co. (Ontario Geological Survey, Atkinson, 2010).
Hole MT23-1: Drill Hole MT2301 was drilled to a depth of 237m to test a relatively shallow chargeability anomaly outlined from the borehole IP survey. This hole intersected a zone of disseminated pyrite though no significant base metal or precious metal values were noted.
Hole MT23-2: Hole MT23-2 was drilled to a depth of 585m in order to test a strong, deep conductive anomaly outlined by borehole IP. Despite considerable measures to control deviation of the hole, there was deviation of approximately 50m in hole MT23-2’s dip though minimal deviation in azimuth relative to the original optimum hole position. No significant explanation for the targeted conductive zone was noted to explain the cause of the anomaly.
Some sections of disseminated pyrite and pyrrhotite were observed in the drill core above the target zone, no significant base metal or precious metal values were noted. At this time, it is suspected that the hole deviation resulted in the hole not intersecting the proposed target. In light of the hole deviation in hole MT23-2 drill hole data will be incorporated into the 3D geophysical model to determine a more optimal collar location and/or steeper collar dip angle to test this high priority, still unexplained target.
“Access and infrastructure to our project, the adjacent Montcalm Mine, and the Timmins Camp is exceptional. We are just getting started in the evaluation of our sizeable Montcalm project, which would be incredibly challenging and costly to assemble in the current environment,” said Natasha Dixon, President and CEO.
“In our first months of operation, we vetted the capability of new geophysical technology through this exploration program, and discovered a number of previously undetected, high priority targets that now require drill testing.
“The historical exploration and drill density (48 holes over 40 sq. km) on a project of this scale, adjacent to a high-grade nickel sulphide mine, has been sporadic at best. We look forward to returning to Montcalm, once our expanded exploration permits are received to continue exploration and drilling,” she added.
Future Exploration Plans
Mink’s claims cover very prospective geology including approximately 10sq. km of the gabbro phase of the Montcalm gabbro complex. The gabbro phase of the complex hosted the former Montcalm Mine.
Despite a number of historical exploration programmes there has been relatively limited drill testing of Mink’s 40sq. km property. To date the drill density over the entire property is approximately one hole per square km.
Mink’s limited exploration programme to date has demonstrated that the usage of both borehole IP and surface ground IP are cost-effective tools in developing new potential base metal targets. As a result, Mink intends to continue both surface ground IP in the South Target Area and further borehole IP in the Hook Zone.
Mink intends to conduct further drilling at its Montcalm property as well. A high priority target will be SW Target Area IP Anomaly 1. Upon completion of a review by geophysicists a second hole will be planned to IP Target 2 to ascertain the cause of the unexplained conductive zone. A number of secondary targets within the South Target Area and Hook Zone also warrant drill testing. New permit applications for testing in the South Target Area are well under way.
For further information please visit: https://minkventures.com/
