NEW BRUNSWICK - Metallurgical testing of the ore from the Nash Creek deposit 25 km west of Belledune indicates potential zinc recovery of 90.5% and lead recovery of 81.5%. SLAM EXPLORATION of Miramichi, N.B., is exploring the deposit. The optimal initial grind size was 83.5 microns, and no regrinding was necessary to produce lead concentrate. The zinc concentrate was reground to 33.8 microns.
The company reported in July 2007 that the deposit hosts an indicated resource of 3.24 million tonnes grading 4.67% Zn, 0.80% Pb and 27.8 g/t Ag plus an additional inferred resource of 2.69 million tonnes grading 3.65 % Zn, 0.77% Pb and 20.0 g/t Ag. The resource calculation and other information described in a Technical Report filed 27 August, 2007, can be viewed at www.SEDAR.com.
The company believes the near-surface sulphide deposit has the potential to become a low-cost open pit mine. To reach this objective, this year an independent resource estimate, a scoping study, environmental baseline testing as well as engineering and civil work in preparation for a bulk sample will be commissioned. Slam expects to incorporate these activities into a full feasibility study for a future open pit mine and milling operation at Nash Creek.
A large amount of information and illustrations (including split drill cores) from the Nash Creek project are posted at www.SlamResources.com.
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