First Mining Gold Corp. (TSX:FF, OTCQX:FFMGF) told investors it has identified additional mineralization in the SW Extension Zone during its 2022 drilling program at the Springpole Gold Project in Northwestern Ontario.
The company said the diamond drilling campaign comprised 62 drill holes totalling 5,834 metres (m) and focused on advancing geotechnical, hydrogeological, and geochemical studies related to metal leaching and acid rock drainage (ARD).
Drilling in the southwest area of the Springpole Deposit identified additional mineralization (SW Extension Zone) which extends beyond the ore zone boundary as defined in the 2021 Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS Pit), allowing for the extension of the deposit continuity outside the current mineral resource area, it added.
"Our team at First Mining had always understood there was more potential to the current resource at Springpole and are encouraged by these results,” First Mining Gold Gold CEO Dan Wilton said in a statement.
“We believe our existing resource of 4.6 Moz (million ounces) of M&I (measured and indicated) is the starting point for Springpole and as we continue our exploration program, we believe there will be considerable upside potential at the project and in the region.”
The company noted that highlighted intercepts supporting the SW Extension Zone include 1.08 grams per ton (g/t) gold (Au) over 30m in hole SG22-008, and 0.98 g/t Au over 33m in hole SG22-021, representing an area of opportunity for resource growth potential to be supported by infill and step-out drilling.
Highlights of the 2022 drilling program
- Delineation of the Springpole SW Extension Zone over approximately 150m in the southwesterly direction and 550m in the strike direction, with mineralization remaining open along strike and at depth for further testing;
- Drill hole SG22-008 intersected 1.08 g/t Au over 30.0m from 300–330m, targeting the western wall area of the PFS Pit;
- Drill hole SG22-021 intersected 0.98 g/t Au over 33m from 252–285m, including 2.87 g/t Au over 7m from 264– 271m, targeting the southwestern wall area of the PFS Pit; and
- Drill hole SG22-027 intersected 2.14 g/t Au over 10.7m from 228–238.7m, and 0.51 g/t Au over 30m from 255–285m, targeting the southwestern wall area of the PFS pit.
First Mining is a gold developer advancing two of the largest gold projects in Canada, the Springpole Gold Project in northwestern Ontario, where it has commenced a Feasibility Study and permitting activities are ongoing with a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project published in June 2022, and the Duparquet, Pitt and Duquesne Gold Projects in Quebec, a collection of advanced stage development assets located on the Destor-Porcupine Fault in the prolific Abitibi region.
First Mining also owns the Cameron Gold Project in Ontario and a portfolio of gold project interests including the Pickle Crow Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Auteco Minerals Ltd), the Hope Brook Gold Project (being advanced in partnership with Big Ridge Gold Corp), an equity interest in Treasury Metals Inc. and a portfolio of 20 royalties.
Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com