Thistle Resources (TSX-V:TRCG, OTC:TRCGF) CEO Patrick Cruickshank talked with Proactive about the launch of the company's trenching program at its Brunswick Project in New Brunswick, where exploration is focused on antimony alongside high-grade silver and gold mineralization.
Proactive: Welcome back inside our Proactive newsroom. Joining me is Patrick Cruickshank, CEO of Thistle Resources (TSX-V:TRCG, OTC:TRCGF). Great to see you again.
Patrick Cruickshank: Good morning. Thank you for inviting me back.
The company recently announced the start of its trenching program at the Brunswick Project, targeting antimony. Tell us about the importance of this stage.
The trenching program is a quick and efficient way to expose the bedrock. We've committed to five large trenches down to bedrock and will carry out both standard sampling and channel sampling, which is similar to collecting drill core. The main objective is to examine the contact between the granite and the antimony-bearing quartz system so we can better understand its orientation and determine the best direction for future drilling.
You've already collected around ten samples from the first trench, so it's off to a strong start.
Yes, it couldn't have gone better. We already know we have a high-grade system, but what makes this project unique is the combination of high-grade antimony with silver values of up to 2,200 grams per tonne, along with gold. The project is also located about 1,000 metres from the historic Brunswick 6 and Brunswick 12 mines, suggesting there is a geological relationship that differentiates us from other antimony exploration companies.
You also mentioned similarities with the Lake George antimony deposit, while noting there are important differences.
We're encouraged by the New Brunswick government's support for critical minerals. The province announced plans to become a significant critical minerals jurisdiction and is supporting efforts to bring the historic Lake George antimony project back into production. That deposit was one of the world's largest antimony producers, operating from 1876 to 1996, and it's only about two hours from our project. That's positive for both the province and our company.
Finally, remind viewers why antimony is such an important critical mineral.
Antimony is one of Canada's critical minerals and is essential for supply chain security. China controls approximately 80–90% of global supply, so discovering deposits outside that supply chain is important. New Brunswick has a strong history of antimony mineralization. The metal is used in military applications, including night vision technology, as well as battery technology and electric vehicles. Because it is rare, we believe the opportunity could be significant for both New Brunswick and Thistle Resources.
Exciting work ahead. Thanks for joining us, Patrick.
Thank you. I'd be pleased to return once the certified assay results are available.
Quotes have been lightly edited for style and clarity