STOCK MARKETS — Steady as she goes on Western markets — El Misti Gold among most-actives yet again

The Vancouver Stock Exchange composite index remained steady over the report period ended March 24, losing only 0.44 point, or 0.07%, to close at 616.12. The mining index also held its ground, edging down by just 0.46 point, or 0.09%, to close at 491.29.

The combined value of the Alberta Stock Exchange gained 4.83 points, or 0.22%, to close at 2,171.79.

El Misti Gold was once again a chart topper on the VSE most active list. The company’s issue rose 65 to close at $1.75. Financing with Benitz & Partners has been completed and the proceeds will be used to fund a 10,000-metre drill program at the Sinchao polymetallic property in Peru, as well as for working capital.

Cross Lake Minerals lost a nickel to close at $1.15. Results from the last four holes (CLS-48 to CLS-52) on the company’s Sheraton-Timmins property were released.

Highlights include: Hole 48 which intersected 41.4 metres grading 1.8% zinc and 15 grams silver per tonne. This included an 8.8-metre interval grading 2.15% zinc and 29.5 grams silver, followed by a 6.1-metre interval grading 3.35% zinc and 11.7 grams silver. Hole 50 hit 13.5 metres grading 2.39% zinc, 0.21% copper and 63.2 grams silver. Hole 51 intersected 15 metres grading 1.86% zinc, 0.11% copper and 99.1 grams silver, including a 7.5-metre interval grading 3.21% zinc, 0.11% copper and 176.2 grams silver.

Hole 52 hit 2.3 metres grading 1.23% copper and 19.7 grams silver.

Victory Ventures saw its issues gain a nickel to close at 33. The company is poised to drill kimberlite targets on its 100%-owned Syd 1, 2 and 3 properties. The properties are situated just north of Lesser Slave Lake in Alberta and south of the Buffalo Hills property of Toronto-listed partners Ashton Resources, Alberta Energy and Pure Gold Minerals. Drilling is expected to commence by the end of the month, once all geophysical work has been completed.

Greystar Resources rose 4 to finish at 99. The company released further drill results from infill holes drilled on its La Alta gold deposit in northeastern Colombia. Highlights include hole 7, which intersected 35.5 metres grading 1.17 grams gold per tonne, and hole 8, which hit 10 metres grading 2.03 grams gold, followed by 17 metres grading 1.5 grams gold. Hole 9 hit numerous 2- to 4-metre intercepts ranging from 0.87 gram gold to 8.68 grams gold over the length of the 410-metre hole. Hole-16 hit 12 metres grading 2.28 grams gold.

Porcher Island Gold lost 2 to close at 13. The company reached an agreement to acquire the right to put the Strieborna vein silver mine in Roznava, Slovakia, into production. Reserves are reported to be in excess of 1 million tonnes grading 300 to 400 grams silver per tonne. The mine and mill have been on care and maintenance since 1993.

International Vestor Resources announced that its shareholders have approved the acquisition of a 16.68% interest in the Aljustrel mining lease from each of Toronto- listed partners Redfern Resources and Cumberland Resources.

Vestor’s issue gained 3 and closed at 86. Joint-venture partner Auspex Minerals lost 3 to close at 56.

Steppe Gold Resources’ issues gained a penny to close at 32. The company acquired a 50% interest in the Leninogorsk gold tailings project and a 60% interest in the Abyz gold and base metal deposit. Both properties are in Kazakstan.