Japan Gold (TSX-V:JG) announced it has completed the second phase of drilling at the Mizobe Project in Southern Kyushu, Japan, which is part of the Barrick Alliance.
The drilling program expanded a concealed, multi-phase hydrothermal system with significant dimensions of approximately 2.5 by 1.5 kilometres, the company said in a statement.
Mineralized intervals continue to be encountered within an open hydrothermal alteration system at Mizobe, Japan Gold (TSX-V:JG) noted.
Notably, the mineralization found in drilling is locally extensive, featuring broad breccia-hosted intervals stretching up to 144 meters in down-hole length.
Observations from the drill core suggest multiple alteration and mineralizing events, including the presence of banded chalcedony-sulphide vein clasts and banded carbonate-quartz-sulphide veins, indicating a dynamic hydrothermal system.
Andrew Rowe, Japan Gold's vice president of exploration, told shareholders that the dynamic nature of hydrothermal events seen in the drill core at Mizobe is “very encouraging,” particularly the banded quartz veins which are typical of high-grade epithermal deposits of the district.
“The hydrothermal system shows good scale and complexity, and interpretation of drill core is vectoring us towards a system with potentially significant gold endowment," Rowe added.
Japan Gold told investors that the geometry of mineralization and controlling structures is not yet fully understood due to concealment by a veneer of post-mineral ash.
As the next step, a detailed ground magnetics survey is currently underway to assist in mapping alteration and host rocks, aiming to define gold-fertile structures for the next round of drill targeting.