Meteoric Resources NL (ASX:MEI) has started its 2020 high-grade target drilling program at its wholly-owned Juruena Gold Project within the Alta Floresta Belt in Brazil.
The program will initially target the Dona Maria prospect where the 2019 program confirmed continuity of two high-grade shoots (north and south) that remain open at depth beneath the existing resources.
This new program targets the Southern Shoot in two separate zones - Zone 1 is within the existing resource while Zone 2 is below the existing resource.
"Champing at the bit"
Managing director Dr Andrew Tunks said: “We are thrilled to be back on the ground at Juruena and the team is champing at the bit to see what the 2020 program has in store for us.
"Following mobilisation to site last week, drilling kicked-off on Monday, June 8, with the first hole targeting bonanza epithermal gold grades within the Dona Maria prospect."
He added: “Work will initially commence at the southern high-grade gold shoot intercepted in holes JUDD001, 008, 009 and 022.
"This drilling program is designed to improve the estimation confidence and to further grow the resource.
"From Dona Maria, it is our aim to move to the Crentes prospect to follow-up an exciting, thick gold-copper intercept in JUDD0010 that demonstrates the significant porphyry potential of the Juruena project."
Mining essential in COVID-19
Meteoric’s decision to re-start its activities on-site follows the Brazilian Government’s confirmation that mining is an essential industry.
It said considerable changes have been made to its workplace safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment for both staff and contractors.
It added that the project’s remote location in the state of Mato Grosso means the area has been largely unaffected by COVID-19.