To all those who follow MAI:
I recently e-mailed Arthur Johnson, IR for Minera Andes, with a few questions. Due to a glitch, I've lost the exact wording of my original questions but will re-write the jest of them below, along with the response I received from Art:
1) Why were the recently reported holes (EP 20 and EP 21) drilled so close to the previous target (ñ20 meters)?
(1) Drilling was close to the previous hole because we have been concentrating on testing vein systems, and not the more expansive disseminated mineralization. Our geologists wanted to test the dip orientation of the mineralization we found. We believe we have drilled into a high grade gold pod. This mineralization is closed off in adjacent areas, perhaps because of faulting, but it may pick up again because as you can see on the drill map, we found mineralization in trenching.
2) Can you supply greater detail on the sample analysis, i.e. a breakdown of the grade over shorter widths? <I incorrectly assumed they were doing core drilling>
(2) Our focus on the Santa Cruz property so far has been on high grade veins. However, our work in round two drilling revealed good potential for disseminated mineralization. This dissemination is widely distributed, and this is one thing that has increased our interest in this property as well as that of potential joint venture partners, because there is substantial interest in bulk mineable deposits. Overall, our round two work in Santa Cruz has enhanced the potential of the land package. Incidentally, all our drilling to date has been reverse circulation -- no core drilling has been done in Santa Cruz.
3) Will the next phase of step out drilling test the extent of this high grade zone?
(3) Regarding step-out distances, we need to do more trenching and geophysics in order to design a follow-up drill program. We are located in a structurally complex area. We'll have people on site later this year when the field season reopens, with drilling to follow later. However, further follow up work and drilling by Minera Andes assumes we WON'T have a joint venture, and that isn't necessarily the case. We have substantial interest in our property by major gold companies, and the potential is there for a joint venture, in which case our partner would likely take over additional exploration and drilling.
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As always, I have found the company to be straight forward and open about all questions I have had. I would encourage any of you who are interested in specifics to contact Arthur directly at:
E-mail minandes@thefuture.net
Phone (509) 921-7322
Fax (509) 921-7325 |
