North explores in Mexico

Australian-based North will carry out underground mapping, sampling and surface work at the Sierra Mojada oxide zinc property in northern Mexico.

The company can earn a 60% interest in the 17,450-acre property by completing a bankable feasibility study in five years. The remainder is owned by Idaho-based Metalline Mining (MMGG-O), which recently completed a 24-hole drill program. Zinc mineralization is found in two deposits separated by the Sierra Mojada fault, with additional silver values of up to 30 oz. per ton.

Meanwhile, at the Rock Creek Ranch property in northern Nevada, North has drilled one deep core hole with joint-venture partner White Knight Resources (WKR-V). The hole targeted the Stoney Basin prospect, at the southern part of the property; a second hole, designed to test the Ridge Spring target, will be drilled in early 2000.

Earlier this year, the partners completed 15,000 ft. of trenching and 14 drill holes in an effort to penetrate prospective host rocks of the Comus and Preble formations.

North is earning a 65% interest in the 31-sq.-mile property by spending US$5.3 million on exploration.

At the Antone Canyon property, also in Nevada, the company recently completed five core drill holes in a joint venture with Royal Standard Minerals (RSM-M). Results are pending, though North was able to extend known mineralization over 5,000 ft.

North has a 56% interest in Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) and owns a zinc mine in Sweden, a uranium subsidiary, and two gold mines in Australia.