Forte Energy (LON:FTE) reported that initial assay results from 10 holes at the A238 uranium anomaly in its Mauritanian leases confirmed that mineralisation extends along strike north of the core of the main southern zone.
Drilling suggests two distinct mineralised bodies, a large southern body roughly 1,800m in length, and a shorter and thinner northern body approximately 800 metres in length.
The assay results included intersections of 179 metres grading 211 parts per million (ppm) uranium, 251 metres at 296 ppm uranium, 354 metres at 417 ppm uranium, 144 metres at 170 ppm uranium, 140 metres at 165 ppm uranium, 323 metres at 381 ppm uranium, 118 metres at 139 ppm uranium, 183 metres at 216 ppm uranium, 193 metres at 228 ppm uranium and 241 metres at 284 ppm uranium.
Forte has instituted a new assay system to improve what was previously a what it called unacceptably slow assay turnaround timetable.
Sample pre-preparation is now undertaken at a local facility in Mauritania, with samples then subsequently sent to Omac Laboratories in Ireland.
The remaining samples are currently being pre-processed and made ready for shipment out of Mauritania.
“These initial results are from the first pass shallow drilling along strike, and confirm the presence of mineralisation outside the core of the main southern zone.
“These results are encouraging both from the point of view of demonstrating that an extensive body of uranium mineralisation exists at A238, but also in demonstrating our accelerated assay process.
“We look forward to receiving further assay results from A238 which should form the basis for a maiden JORC resource,” said managing director of Forte Energy Mark Reilly.
Samples from all trenching operations have been submitted into the assay process, with results expected in Q1 2011. Should these results prove as positive as initial chip samples, Forte will move the most prospective of these anomalies forward into drill target status to be drilled in the second half of the field season in Q2 2011.
Further assay results will form the basis of a JORC compliant resource targeted for release during H1 2011.
The company has completed 7,000 metres with a 1,500 metre diamond drilling program currently underway.
A reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign of 5,000 metres was initially planned, however, positive results from the latter stages of the programme warranted an expansion.