The dip angle of the mineralization has not been determined yet
Correct, but if the photo near the end of the presentation found here:
aurelian.ca
with caption "Fabric is typically high angle to core axis" is truly representative of the dominant fabric orientation of the veins (most importantly vein contacts with wall rock and overall banding orientation in banded veins)than the geometric solutions possible, given the east drill direction, are very limited. For example, the vein (white material) contacts with wall rock (grey) look to be no more than about 70 degrees in the acute angle between the core axis and the plane of the Vein contacts and is probably more like 80 degrees. This is also consistent with the banding in the vein, looks about 70 to 80 degrees. So the only possible range of strikes and dips for this particular vein (where it is cut by the drill hole) assuming the drill hole angle is 70 deg.,is roughly north-south (give or take a few degrees), and dipping about 30 or 40 degrees to the west. That's it. No other possible solution. Now the lower the acute angle of banding and vein contacts to core axis becomes, the less certain one can be of the orientation of the vein. It is not uncommon for veins to vary in their dip amount, and even roll over and dip in the opposite direction. Ideally, Aurelian would be using a core orientation procedure in order to give unequivocal, highly accurate measurements. This is usually done by the drilling company at no extra cost if requested.
The veinlets orientation they are talking about may have nothing to do with the orientation of the dip of the mineralization
Maybe not, but more often than not in these types of systems, where they are strongly structurally controlled (e.g. faults), there is a dominant orientation visible in the larger veins that is indicative of the overall orientation. You are right, veinlets tend to be less consistent in orientation, and the internal fabric of breccia veins is usually not very useful. Again, I am largely relying on Aurelian's words at this point, along with a few core photos, that the dominant fabric they are talking about is for real. If you think they are mistaken, and you are correct, than my conclusions are incorrect. But if they were consistently drilling down, or parallel to vein structures the overall orientation of large vein contacts and vein banding should be almost parallel or parallel to core. So far I have not seen any compelling evidence to indicate what Aurelian is saying is incorrect.
There are not enough drill holes to determine anything about true width yet, or how the deposit was created
Not exactly. If the Aurelian observations are correct, than one can reasonably say that there is little chance that they are drilling near to parallel to the veins, and that they are drilling the veins overall at least at 30-40 degree angles. Not sure what you mean by "how the deposit was created".
Where did you get your degree in geology
I'll just say that I have been fortunate enough to look at quite a few of these types of systems in the field, and I spent several years shepherding a moderately sized one of the same type from discovery stage through pre-feasibility.
I have some courses from University of Waterloo.
Thats great!
Like all stock plays, this is a big gamble and can go either way. Informed geologists are coming out all over the map on this one from under 5 million to over 10 million oz Au but no one knows for sure. The guy who says they do is the ignorant one.
Gambles, agreed, but I think that alot of the risk in this one has largely been removed based on data released to date. For me, at present stock price, there is very little downside geological risk. The scale of this system is world class. I am concerned mid- to long term with political risks and management risks, or their ability to derive maximum value from the property.
Yeah, all over the map, thats what makes the market, yes? <g>
I certainly don't claim to know anything for certain regarding this one, been burned too many times for that. Rough estimate, between 5 and 10 million ounces, and based on company guidance on unreleased holes to the north, probably closer to 10 mil. |
