Aurion Resources (TSX-V:AU) has reported positive results from its 2023 drill program at the Aurion-B2Gold Corp. (TSX:BTO) joint venture (JV) located in the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt in northern Finland, including the identification of new gold mineralized zones.
The JV (30% Aurion and 70% B2) covers about 347 square kilometres (km) and includes a number of discovers including Helmi, Kutuvuoma, Soretiavuoma, Sinermä, Kiekerömaa, and Kettukuusikk. The JV is operated by B2.
Aurion reported the identification of gold mineralization at Vuoma, 2.7 km south of Helmi, with an intercept returning 1.33 grams per ton (g/t) of gold over 8.3 metres (m) from 133.6 m.
Mineralization is proximal to the mainly untested 20-plus km southern domain boundary and was located 15 km along strike from the Kaaresselkä prospect, which is 100% owned by Aurion.
At Helmi, the company said mineralization extends to the east and it has identified additional mineralized shoots. Drill highlights include 1.21 g/t gold over 9.20 m from 392 m.
The company also noted the identification of new zones of gold mineralization south of historic mineralization at Kutuvuoma, with an intercept returning 1.43 g/t gold over 10.45 m from 261.7 m.
"The discovery of new gold mineralization on the southern domain boundary and the identification of additional gold mineralized zones at Kutuvuoma and Helmi represent significant results from the recent drilling program," commented Aurion CEO Matti Talikka in a statement.
"The discoveries of Helmi and Ikkari (Rupert Resources) in proximity to the northern domain boundary suggest that these major structures are prospective for the deposition of gold. The new discovery further supports the gold prospectivity of the 20-plus km long, mainly untested, southern domain boundary that also hosts Aurion's Kaaresselkä prospect."
The company said it has expanded its drill program for the second half of 2023, with 4,500 m planned bringing drilling to a total of 12,500 m from the initially planned 10,500 m.
The drill program will include follow-up drilling on the newly identified mineralized zones and scout drill holes testing additional targets on the JV properties.
Generative work including base-of-till sampling, top-of-bedrock sampling and geophysical surveys will continue throughout the year, the company added.
Aurion noted that its 2023 budget is unchanged at C$10.4 million and that it is fully financed to contribute its 30% share of the planned exploration expenditure.
Aurion Resources (TSX-V:AU) is a Canadian exploration company whose strategy is to generate or acquire early-stage precious metals exploration opportunities and advance them through direct exploration by our experienced team or by business partnerships and joint venture arrangements.
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