Skeena Resources Limited, is pleased to report it has received a three-year drilling permit, begun field work and camp construction, and is mobilizing two drills to the Spectrum high-grade gold project in northwestern British Columbia.
Fieldwork, which commenced June 15, included re-sampling of historic core, soil sampling and prospecting under the direction of Jacques Stacey, MSc, PGeol, Project Manager. In addition, geological mapping is being led by Dr. Jim Oliver, PGeo, consultant.
Camp and drill pad construction is underway, and drilling is expected to begin on or about July 2. A total of 10,000 to 12,000 m of drilling in 50 to 60 holes is planned for this field season, with holes averaging 200 m and varying from 50 to 350 m in depth. The drill program has been designed to expand the historic resource at the 500 Colour and Central zones, the latter of which includes the QC 1, QC 2, Porphyry 1, and Porphyry 2 structures. Other holes will test the East Creek zone and other outlying targets. A 43-101 resource estimate will be completed in fall 2015.
An Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) was completed between June 15 and 19 by Rescan Tahltan Environmental Consultants in conjunction with representatives of the Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team. The survey identified no archaeological sites over the proposed drilling areas in the Central, 500 Colour and East Creek zones. Two previously identified sites of obsidian flakes are known on the property, but are well away from the proposed drilling areas. The company has agreed to implement a "Chance Find Procedure" to protect any obsidian or other archaeological materials that might be discovered during exploration. The Company will also implement a Mountain Ungulate Management and Wildlife Observation Plan developed by Hemerra Envirochem Inc. The purpose is to minimize impacts of the Company's activity on goats, sheep, caribou and other wildlife that might be present in the area.
Skeena wishes to thank the Tahltan Heritage Resources Environmental Assessment Team, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and other BC government agencies for their cooperation in expediting the approval of this work program. The Company intends to continue to work closely and cooperatively with representatives of the Tahltan Nation, and has committed to hire as many Tahltan people and contractors as possible.
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed by Michael S. Cathro, MSc, PGeo, Skeena's vice-president of operations and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.