Metals explorer Canada Zinc Metals Corp (CVE:CZX) has outlined its 2017 exploration plans for its Cardiac Creek zinc-lead-silver deposit at its Akie property.
An “extensive and aggressive” diamond drill program at Cardiac Creek of up to 7,500 metres will aim to expand the size of the deposit, improve the confidence of the current resource categories and test other target areas.
Around 5,000 of those metres will look to expand the down-dip limits of the high grade core of the deposit as well as other extension targets down-dip and along strike.
The other 2,500m is planned to focus on infill targets across the deposit to provide additional testing material.
“The 2017 exploration program will focus on our flagship Akie project and the Cardiac Creek deposit,” said President and chief executive Peeyush Varshney.
“Results from the 2015 drilling on the deposit represented an expansion of the high-grade zone of the deposit down-dip.
“We anticipate that this season’s targeted drilling will increase the dimensions and level of confidence in the resource down-dip.
“The results will ultimately help plan subsequent stages of exploration on the Akie property and development of the deposit.”
The drill program is expected to start in June and continue through to the end of September.
A ground gravity survey and soil sampling of select areas will help to prioritise additional drill targets at the Akie project.
On a separate note, Canada Zinc said it is evaluating proposals from third party engineering firms with the aim of completing a preliminary economic assessment by the end of this year.
The results of the drilling program will be used in the development of the PEA.
“We strongly believe the recent upturn in the price of zinc is signalling the beginning of the long-expected and dramatic decline in global zinc inventories combined with the lack of new supply,” added Varshney.
“In the face of a potential extended multi-year zinc shortage, Canada Zinc Metals is positioned as a premier zinc explorer with a world-class zinc deposit situated in a geopolitically and financially stable jurisdiction.”