Variscan Mines (ASX:VAR) has received its first set of assay results from the recently completed drill program at the Belleville prospect within the St Pierre Gold Project in France.
The objective of the reverse circulation drill program was to define the hard rock source of a strong gold geochemical anomaly identified from previous rock chip and soil sampling.
Assay results graded up to 4.59 g/t gold, which confirms the potential for high grades at Belleville.
More results are expected given the assays received to date from Belleville account for half of the 15 hole, 923-metre program.
Stewart Dickson, CEO, commented: “The drilling at Belleville was the first reverse circulation drilling program completed in France. We look forward to receiving the second tranche of assay results.
“Once we have a complete set of assay results we will take a more informed decision on the future work and prospects for Belleville.”
Drill results details
To date 450 x 1-metre gold assays have been received, which accounts for circa 50% of the 15 drill holes, mainly from the eastern drill traverse at Belleville.
These holes intersected rock formations similar to those found at the La Belliere Gold Mine located 750 metres to the north.
Some samples recorded quartz veining and sulphides which are commonly associated with high-grade gold mineralisation.
Highlights from the 1-metre assays include:
- 1 metre at 4.59 g/t gold from 36 metres depth;
- 1 metre at 2.59 g/t gold from 9 metres depth; and
- 1 metre at 1.02 g/t gold from surface.
A further 473 x 1-metre samples are currently undergoing sample preparation and the second tranche of assay results is expected within next 4 weeks.
Ville Tirard prospect
Assays received have confirmed the initial review of core from Ville Tirard with no significant results recorded.
Further drilling across the shear system will be required to locate the high-grade mineralised zone as formerly defined in the historical work from 1952.