Significant gold discovery by Norands Expl. in B.C.

There are unconfirmed reports that Noranda Exploration has made a significant gold discovery northwest of Prince George, B.C., near Fort St. James. The Northern Miner has received information that at least two gold zones have been discovered on Noranda’s Tas property.

The discovery is said to include a 10-m-wide gold-bearing shear contact zone which is also associated with a large gold geochemical anomaly that is currently being drilled. Visible gold has been reported on the property and assays up to 55 g (1.6 oz) per tonne.

Properties in the area cover aeromagnetic anomalies which are associated with alkalic intrusions and possible gold mineralization. A common exploration target is copper-gold mineralization associated with the alkalic porphyry copper environment. The Cariboo-Bell copper-gold deposit near Likely, B.C., is a good example of this environment.

Northwest Geological Consulting, in partnership with A. D. Halleran and A. A. Halleran (the discoverers of the Tas) staked more than 72,000 acres in the area, some of which have been optioned. Juniors in the area include: Big Valley Resources, Casamiro Resource Corp., Big Country Resources and Mastt Resources. Big Valley is currently conducting a $300,000 work program on its Hat and Bio properties, The Northern Miner understands.

BP-Selco’s Mount Milligan property to the north apparently has a number of copper-gold occurrences and Placer Development has ground in the region. There is good road access as the properties are located only 30 miles from Fort St. James.