Northern Shield Provides Update on Activities, Mobilizes Exploration Crew to Labrador Trough
OTTAWA, May 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Northern Shield Resources Inc. ("Northern Shield") [TSXV: NRN] is pleased to provide an update on its activities and exploration plans.
Idefix:
The relatively new interpretation for a Noril'sk-type Ni-Cu-PGE massive sulphide target at Idefix has attracted the attention of several major and mid-tier mining companies as potential partners on the project, of which two are currently undertaking evaluation and due diligence on the Idefix and Huckleberry projects. While the due diligence is on-going and may take some time, Northern Shield is preparing to forge ahead with its own program to ensure exploration is conducted this season.
The basis of the Noril'sk model for Idefix is the presence of Ni-Cu-PGE rich sulphide "globules" in 11 of the 14 drill-holes completed at Idefix in 2013. Globules are blebs of sulphide that have been transported away from a pool of massive sulphide over relatively short distances when the sulphides and host rock were still molten. Some of the globules at Idefix, which are up to 3 centimetres in diameter, were analysed using a portable XRF unit. The table below provides results from the analysis of some of the globules with the XRF unit. The XRF analyser does not have the capability to detect Pt at the level present in the samples. Pt:Pd ratios at Idefix are approximately 1:3 hence expected Pt values can be estimated as about 1/3 of the Pd values.
Drill-Hole | Globule | Cu (%) | Ni (%) | Pd (ppm) | Method |
13ID-01 | 1 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 9 | Portable XRF |
13ID-02 | 1 | 4.8 | 2.4 | 33 | Portable XRF |
13ID-04 | 1 | 3.7 | 1.7 | 18 | Portable XRF |
2 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 11 | Portable XRF | |
13ID-05 | 1 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 19 | Portable XRF |
13ID-06 | 1 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 20 | Portable XRF |
2 | 1.4 | 0.1 | Below detection (7 ppm) | Portable XRF | |
13ID-11 | 1 | 1.9 | 0.2 | Below detection (7 ppm) | Portable XRF |
13ID-12 | 1 | 10 | 1.3 | 19 | Portable XRF |
2 | 5 | 1.9 | 12 | Portable XRF | |
3 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 20 | Portable XRF | |
13ID-04 | 3 | 4.5 | 1.8 | Not analysed* | SEM |
*Twenty-three grains of sperrylite (Pt-arsenide) were observed surrounding the globule.
It is important to understand that the data in the table represents spot analysis of the sulphide globules and does not reflect the composition of the whole rock sample; the numbers are an indication of the composition of the sulphide globule within the rock sample only. In addition, portable XRF data should also be generally treated as semi-quantitative and the results are not compliant with NI43-101. However, a globule from a sample from hole 13ID-04 was also analysed by high precision SEM at the University of Cardiff, Wales and the results, also presented in the table, are consistent with the XRF data. The SEM analysis is based on a scan of the entire globule.
The data was acquired using an X-50 Portable Bench XRF analyzer from Innov-X. The analysis was carried out on core samples that were lightly polished to provide a more even surface. The window of analysis covered only a portion generally in the center of the globules of sulphides. The operator of the XRF analyser was Christine Vaillancourt, P. Geo., chief geologist for Northern Shield. Powdered reference material and blanks were analysed at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the analysis, and the results and reference values are provided in the table below.
Ref Sample | Ni (ppm) | Cu (ppm) | Pd (ppm) |
LDI-1 XRF avg (3) | 602 | 370 | ND |
LDI-1 Ref Value | 656 | 413 | 0.813 |
LDI-3 XRF avg (3) | 698 | 339 | 4.83 |
LDI-3 Ref Value | 657 | 456 | 4.82 |
Blank (qz powder) | ND | ND | ND |
The interpretation of all data to date suggests that the source of the globules likely lies about 300-500 meters down-dip (east) from where the globules are seen in the drill-holes. An airborne EM survey to define the possible location of massive sulphide with a composition similar to that measured on the globules of sulphides in the cores is being planned for this area after completion of the Huckleberry program (see below).
Huckleberry
An exploration crew is being mobilized to the Huckleberry Property in the southern Labrador Trough to undertake an intensive sampling program on a Cu-Ni-PGE occurrence. The Huckleberry occurrence was discovered last year (see press release dated September 8, 2014) on the final day of that program and very limited time was spent evaluating the occurrence due to an approaching storm. The host rock is a very coarse-grained, fractionated gabbro sill. The sill, which can be traced for over 75 kilometers, is generally 500 meters thick but increases to about 2,000 meters within the Huckleberry property. This feature may represent a channel way or keel of the sill, which would provide a trap for migrating sulphides. The occurrence consists of a gossanous outcrop measuring approximately 50 x 50 meters that contains disseminated and blebs of sulphides. A government sponsored airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey was flown over the entire region in 1986. A distinct, moderately strong, EM anomaly is located 150 meters east of the occurrence. As the amount of disseminated sulphide seen in the outcrop is insufficient to cause an EM conductor, the presence of the EM anomaly strongly suggests that the amount of mineralization seen on the surface increases to the east (down-dip).
"The copper-rich nature of the mineralization seen to date at Huckleberry is indicative of the upper levels of a much larger fractionated magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE sulphide deposit," explains Northern Shield president and CEO, Ian Bliss. "We believe that there is a lot more to this target than we first thought and hence the reason why we are eager to get back on the ground, even before the snow has completely gone. The presence of a good EM conductor adjacent to the showing is highly encouraging."
If the results from the new sampling program show similar Cu-Ni-PGE grades as those discovered last year over the entire outcrop, Northern Shield will implement an airborne EM survey with the aim of drilling any anomalies later this year.
The exploration programs at Huckleberry will be overseen by Christine Vaillancourt, P. Geo., a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101.
Northern Shield Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company built around its platinum group element (PGE) expertise which forms the basis of its exploration in eastern Canada.
Forward-Looking Statements Advisory
This news release contains statements concerning the exploration plans, results and potential PGE and Cu-(Ni)-PGE and other mineralization at the Company's Labrador Trough properties, geological, and geometrical analyses of the Labrador Trough properties and comparisons of the properties to Noril'sk and other known Ni-Cu-PGE deposits, and other expectations, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information or statements about future events, 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.
Contact
Northern Shield Resources Inc.: Ian Bliss, President and CEO, Tel.: (613) 232-0459, Fax: (613) 232-0760, info@northern-shield.com