Murchison Minerals Ltd (TSX-V:MUR, OTCQB:MURMF, TSX-V:MUR.V) announced the conclusion of its three-phased summer exploration program on its Haut-Plateau de la Manicouagan (HPM) nickel-copper-cobalt project, in Quebec.
The Burlington, Ontario-based exploration company said it "completed most of the planned work" during the three-phased exploration program which began in late April this year.
As part of Phase I, an aerial geophysical survey kicked off at the end of April and was completed on August 12. It resulted in the identification of numerous highly prospective EM anomalies, indicative of potential nickel-copper-cobalt mineralization, and the company expanding the project area from 576 square kilometers (km2) to 648 km2.
READ: Murchison Minerals kicks off drilling at its HPM project in Quebec
During Phase II, ground prospecting was initiated in late June and was completed on August 29. It identified numerous additional showings of nickel-copper-cobalt mineralization outcropping and sub-cropping across the extents of the property. Assays are pending and these results are currently being evaluated and will be released at a later date, said the company.
Meanwhile, as part of Phase III, diamond drilling, began in early August and the company drilled a total of 13 holes comprising 4,316 meters (m). Preliminary results from the diamond drilling phase are expected to be released over the coming weeks. The diamond drilling focused primarily at Barre de Fer was designed to produce a maiden resource by the first quarter of 2023.
Murchison said it ended the Phase III component of the summer exploration program on September 5, earlier than planned following concerns raised by the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-utenam (ITUM), on whose traditional territory the HPM project lies.
By taking this action, Murchison said it is focussing on continuing dialogue with the ITUM and the Government of Quebec. The objective is to establish "a path forward which is mutually beneficial to all parties," said the company.
Even before applying for the necessary permits and kicking off work in April, Murchison revealed that it began "early and ongoing engagement" with the ITUM. During those discussions, the company said it was able to “address and accommodate all specific concerns raised.”
“Murchison is dedicated to conducting mineral exploration in a sustainable, safe, socially conscientious, and environmentally responsible manner,” Murchison Minerals CEO Troy Boisjoli said in a statement. “Murchison seeks to establish a productive working relationship, with the ITUM."
After Murchison acquired 100% ownership of the HPM property in 2019, the company focused exploration work on the camp-scale potential of the region.
Murchison is also working on developing its Brabant Lake zinc‐copper‐silver project in north‐central Saskatchewan. It also holds an option to earn 100% interest in the Barraute VMS exploration project in Quebec, north of Val d'Or.
Contact the author Uttara Choudhury at uttara@proactiveinvestors.com
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