Metina releases first holes from Belleterre nickel bet

Toronto-based Metina Developments (VSE) and affiliate Manridge Explorations (TSE) are encouraged by recent drill results at the Gouboury Twp. copper-nickel project in the Belleterre region, 100 miles south of Rouyn-Noranda, Que.

With the option to earn a combined 100% interest from Moneta Porcupine Mines (TSE), the joint venture is attempting to determine the accuracy of drilling done in the 1960s.

Based on historical data, the property is estimated to contain a deposit hosting 1.5 million tons of grade 0.65% nickel and 0.59% copper. “We can’t be certain that the original holes went where they were supposed to,” said Hughbert Mockler, president of both Metina and Manridge.

The latest results from Gouboury Twp. are from three holes drilled at 70-200 ft. centres along the 1,000-ft. zone to a maximum depth of around 570 ft.

Metina says hole KL-89-01 cut 65.5 ft. of sulphide materials grading 0.81% nickel, 0.56% copper and 0.035 oz. per ton of platinum group metals (pgm) from 264.5 ft. to 330 ft. The same intersection includes a 11.8-ft. (true width) intersection averaging 1.22% nickel and 0.044 oz. pgm.

A second hole located 75 ft. further east intersected 113.3 ft. of massive sulphides grading 0.73% nickel, 0.71% copper and 0.029 oz. pgm. The true width of the hole was 47.9 ft.

While a third hole located further east yielded 29 ft. of grade 0.39% nickel, 0.69% copper and 0.017 oz. pgm., the orientation of the hole together with faulting and folding in the area means it may not accurately represent the ore zone, Metina says.

“Based on ground geophysics, the zone appears to be open to the east, west and at depth,” the company says. Further drilling is planned as soon as the partners can raise the necessary financing.