Hello Eric
The Churchill play - SRM/NEM & SWV certainly appears to be shaping up into an interesting and active speculation.
***OFF THE WIRE***
Churchill Diamond Joint Venture
23 Priority Kimberlite DRILL Targets Confirmed
DRILLING TO COMMENCE MAY 15-20/2003
Shear Minerals Ltd. (SRM) and Northern Empire Minerals Ltd. (NEM) today announced that 23 priority
drill targets have been confirmed at the Churchill Diamond Project. The priority targets are slated to be
drill tested during a program scheduled to begin between May 15-20th.
The ground geophysical program announced on March 5, 2003 has been completed and the crew
demobilised from site. The aim of the program was to collect ground geophysical data over priority targets
identified in the 2002 airborne magnetic survey. During the program, 185 line-kilometres of total magnetic
field surveys were conducted over 30 targets. On 19 of these targets, 60.4 line-km of horizontal loop
electromagnetic (HLEM) data were acquired. Results from this program have been used to select targets
for the up-coming drilling campaign and have identified 19 high priority and four moderate priority drill
targets.
“The recent ground geophysical program has identified a number of high quality drill targets,” says
Pamela Strand, President of Shear Minerals. “This coupled with our favourable mineral chemistry,
suggests that there is the potential for the discovery of diamondiferous kimberlites.”
The Churchill Diamond Project, totaling more than 1.1 million acres, is located in Keewatin, Nunavut. The
partners are optimistic that this year’s exploration may result in the discovery of an entirely new kimberlite
cluster at Churchill. In the past year, Shear has advanced the project to the drill-ready stage by
conducting a comprehensive exploration program that included kimberlite indicator mineral sampling,
prospecting and geophysics. In January 2003, the partners approved a budget of $2.5 million program,
that includes additional land acquisition, airborne and ground geophysical surveys, heavy minerals
sampling, prospecting and drilling. All programs are under the supervision of Dean Besserer, P. Geol., of
APEX Geoscience Ltd., a qualified person under NI 43-101.
Shear holds a vested 51% interest and is operator of the Churchill Diamond Project; Hunter holds the
remaining 49% participating interest. Northern Empire has an Option to earn into a 35% interest at
Churchill by carrying Hunter for $750,000 in exploration expenditures.
On behalf of the Board
NORTHERN EMPIRE MINERALS LTD.
/s/ “D. Bruce McLeod”
D. Bruce McLeod, P. Eng
Vice President
For further information, please contact the
Company at 604-331-2267 or (888) 338-2200
www.northernempireminerals.com
On behalf of the Board
SHEAR MINERALS LTD.
/s/ “Pamela Strand”
Pamela Strand
President
For further information, please contact the
Company at 780-435-0045 or 1-866-298-9695
www.shearminerals.com
Regards
Vaughn |
